MARCOM

Search our content

Home  /  Media Centre  /  News  /  2022  /  Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 Completes Neptune Strike 2022

Feb 8 2022

Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 Completes Neptune Strike 2022

MEDITERRANEAN SEA – Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG 2) took part in the NATO-led activity Neptune Strike (NS22) from Feb. 3-4 in the central Mediterranean Sea. 

The activity was led by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) and is designed to integrate the high-end maritime strike capabilities of an aircraft carrier strike group (CSG) to support the defence of the Alliance. 

NS22 is the execution phase of a long series of activities known as Project Neptune, conceptualized in 2020. The activity focuses on overcoming the complexities of integrating command and control of a carrier strike group to NATO. 

_nato4

SNMCMG2 integrated with the U.S. Navy's Carrier Strike Group 8 during NS22. Together, the ships conducted manoeuvring drills, replenishment at sea, flight operations, and lead-through operations to transit pre-planned routes that are clear of mines.

NS22 strengthened relationships among participating nations and improved overall cohesion of the Alliance. It also bolstered the Alliance's capability to exercise flexible command and control structures to contribute to collective defense of the European continent.

SNMCMG2 is currently composed of ESPS Meteoro (Flag Ship) ESPS Sella and ITS Viareggio is one of four standing forces that comprise the maritime component of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), which is part of the NATO Response Force (NRF). 


Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM

Search our content:

Address

HQ Allied Maritime Command
MARCOM Records Centre
Information Management Branch
Northwood HQ, Atlantic Building
Sandy Lane, Northwood HA6 3HP
United Kingdom

Media Operations

Public Affairs Office
Atlantic Building, Northwood HQ
publicaffairs@mc.nato.int