Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 flagship HMCS Charlottetown and TCG Gaziantep, along with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 flagship ROS Vice Admiral Constantin Balescu, conducting a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Training Squadron JS Kashima and JS Shimakaze in Eastern Mediterranean.
Beyond partnerships, leaders emphasized routine exercises at sea between Allied and Partner nations enhance readiness and the ability to operate effectively together.
This exercise highlights the critical importance of keeping cooperation with our Partners at the highest level. We have to benefit from any training opportunities with our Partners and enhance our ability to operate together effectively and ensure we are always ready to protect global maritime routes
“The successful conduct of the PASSEX with our esteemed Japanese counterparts and Alliance members epitomizes our unwavering commitment to maritime security and operational excellence,” said Romanian Navy Captain Sebastian Barote, Commander of SNMCMG2. “This exercise highlights the critical importance of keeping cooperation with our Partners at the highest level. We have to benefit from any training opportunities with our Partners and enhance our ability to operate together effectively and ensure we are always ready to protect global maritime routes. Our commitment to preserving the freedom of navigation and addressing potential threats is vital for maintaining stability and security in our region.”
SNMG2 is a multinational, integrated maritime force made up of vessels from Allied nations to perform various tasks ranging from exercises to support of operations. They also help to establish Alliance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits to different countries, support Partner engagement and provide a variety of maritime military capabilities to ongoing operations.
SNMCMG2 is a multinational naval force dedicated to mine countermeasures (MCM), comprising state-of-the-art minehunters and minesweepers. These specialized vessels are at the forefront of maritime safety, executing complex operations to detect, identify and neutralize naval mines and explosive ordnance, ensuring the secure passage of naval and commercial vessels.
Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) is the central command of all NATO maritime forces and the MARCOM Commander is the primary maritime advisor to the Alliance.