Dec 5 2024

NATO Patrols in Central Mediterranean Ensure Maritime Security

NORTHWOOD, United Kingdom – NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) Task Group has successfully completed its sixth and final maritime patrol of the year.

The Italian frigate ITS Margottini, along with the Romanian frigate ROS Regele Ferdinand and the Croatian missile patrol boat HRVS Dubrovnik patrolled the Central Mediterranean. The task force gathered crucial data on maritime traffic and potential terrorist threats, contributing to enhanced maritime situational awareness.

Throughout the three-week patrol, the task group monitored over 1100 vessels. The effective integration of surface, air, and submarine assets significantly enhanced maritime security in the Central Mediterranean region.

The cooperation between all units was paramount to achieve significant operational results. Building up the Maritime Situational Awareness of the area, contributed to deter terrorism and illegal activities demonstrating the power of collaboration.

Air support from Greece, Italy, Portugal, Türkiye and the United States further enhanced the operation's effectiveness. Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Airborne Early Warning Aircraft, and NATO Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF) provided vital aerial surveillance. A Portuguese submarine has supported these patrols in close coordination with the Commander Task Group.

The Italian frigate ITS Margottini, supported by the Romanian frigate ROS Regele Ferdinand, the Croatian missile patrol boat HRVS Dubrovnik and a Portuguese submarine patrolled the Central Mediterranean. These patrols enabled NATO's task force to gather important information contributing to enhanced maritime situational awareness.

“Leading a NATO Task Group was a privilege and an incredible experience for me and my team. I am grateful to every unit that participated, as each played a crucial role in the success of these patrols” said Commander Umberto Buleri, Italian Navy. “The cooperation between all units was paramount to achieve significant operational results. Building up the Maritime Situational Awareness of the area, contributed to deter terrorism and illegal activities demonstrating the power of collaboration.”

OSG is a collaborative, year-round maritime security operation designed to maintain MSA, deter and counter-terrorism activity, and build capacity and interoperability among NATO Allies and partners. In addition to the daily MSA activities, OSG has been conducting focused patrols in specific areas of interest in the Mediterranean Sea.

OSG task groups operate under the command and control of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). MARCOM serves as the central point for sharing maritime security information within the Alliance.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM

Explore MARCOM

Recent news

NATO Demonstrates Readiness and Coordination with Successful Activation of Special Operations Forces Exercise in Mediterranean

Romania Transfers Command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Group 2 to Türkiye

MARCOM staff update shipping industry on emerging maritime threats at 6th Maritime Security Symposium

Most visited

MARCOM - Best Photography

Search our content:

Find us on

Quicklinks

NATO Headquarters Brussels (NATO HQ)

Allied Command Transformation (ACT)

International Military Staff (IMS)

Address

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

Email

recordscentre@mc.nato.int

Media Operations

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