SNMG2 arrived with its flagship, guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98); Spanish Navy frigate Almirante Juan de Borbon (F-102); Turkish Navy frigate TCG Kemalreis (F-247); and Hellenic Navy frigate HS Kountouriotis (F462). The port visit for the task group comes after a week and a half spent operating throughout the Adriatic and the Mediterranean Seas.
Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) is dedicated to put into practice the core tasks outlined in the Strategic Concept
Together, as members of SNMG2, the task group performed unique and tactical events such as live-fire gunnery exercises, electronic warfare exercises, air defense exercises, and communication exercises. While operating together provides for increased interoperability and improved communications during dynamic exercises, it also directly supports the purpose and principles outlined in the 2022 NATO Strategic Concept.
NATO Heads of State and Government approved a new Strategic Concept for the Alliance in Madrid on June 29 setting out the Alliance's priorities, core tasks, and approaches for the next decade. The Strategic Concept describes the security environment facing the Alliance, reaffirms NATO's values, and spells out NATO's key purpose of ensuring our collective defense. It further sets out NATO's three core tasks of deterrence and defense; crisis prevention and management; and cooperative security.
"Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) is dedicated to put into practice the core tasks outlined in the Strategic Concept," said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Scott Sciretta, commander, SNMG2. "By operating as one team in the Mediterranean, we prioritize focusing on continuous improvement. The Alliance is stronger together and we will continue to demonstrate how our combat-credible, forward deployed fleet is the most potent, flexible and versatile instrument of military power. Just as we succeed when we operate together at sea, port visits also are key opportunities to continue to build those vital relationships between Allies and Partners."
The port visit provides an opportunity for the Group to refuel and resupply. Sailors will also have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities and engage with local communities across the island.
Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) is a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance's solidarity and cohesion afloat and provides the Alliance with a continuous maritime capability to perform a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict.