The ceremony marked the end of a successful six-month command for the Romanian Navy, whose multinational team worked tirelessly to ensure the task group provided NATO with a dedicated mine countermeasures capability, as a vital part of the Alliance’s high readiness forces.
Throughout the six-month NATO deployment, the group protected sea lines of communication, helped to maintain safe passage and freedom of navigation for shipping, and played a key role in NATO’s collective defence of the Mediterranean region.
In his farewell remarks, Captain Barote reflected on the milestones achieved and thanked those who contributed to the success of SNMCMG2’s mission, saying;
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to MARCOM and the Romanian Navy for their trust in me and my staff, to my dedicated team for its exceptional expertise and coordination, and to the flagship Vice Admiral Constantin Bălescu (274) along with her crew for providing an outstanding platform for our operations
Captain Barote also acknowledged the professionalism and teamwork of the crews from the group’s participating units - TCG Enez (M262) (Türkiye), ITS Alghero (M5556) (Italy), ESPS Tajo (M36) (Spain), HS Evropi (M62) (Greece) and TCG Akçakoca (M268) (Türkiye).
Under Captain Barote’s leadership, the group demonstrated its ability to operate in complex maritime environments, participating in major exercises including Dynamic Move, Nusret 24, Neptune Strike 24-2, and Gripos 2/24.
The task group strengthened Allied cooperation by taking part in joint training and Passing Exercises (PASSEX) with NATO Allies and Partners. These included the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force, and the ships of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2).
The group also made a significant contribution to NATO’s ongoing Operation Sea Guardian, conducting mine countermeasure operations in the eastern and central Mediterranean Sea, ensuring the security of maritime routes and bolstering regional stability.
Port visits to Greece, Italy and Türkiye reinforced NATO’s diplomatic presence across the region, highlighting the commitment of the Alliance to security and cooperation.
As SNMCMG2 transitions to Turkish command, the group is looking forward to continue its vital mission under the leadership of Captain Kürşat Kurnaz and the new flagship, TCG Yüzbaşı Güngör Durmuş.
Captain Barote concluded his tenure by expressing confidence in the group’s continued success, and extended his best wishes to the incoming commander and staff.
“As I relinquish command, I wish Captain Kürşat Kurnaz success in fulfilling the range of missions assigned to SNMCMG2. Together, we have proven that “we are NATO” and we are “stronger together,” Barote said.
Assuming command, Captain Kurnaz said it was a proud moment for the Turkish naval forces and for him personally.
“It is both an honour and a responsibility to lead such a dedicated and proficient force,” said Kurnaz. “I am fully committed to fulfilling all duties with professionalism, determination, and a steadfast dedication to the values of NATO. Together, we will continue to ensure operational excellence and contribute to the collective security of our Alliance."
SNMCMG2 is one of the four Standing Naval Forces that provide security across the NATO area of responsibility. They are the core of NATO's high readiness maritime capabilities, carrying out NATO missions across the full spectrum of operations, ready to respond to any task at any time.
SNMCMG2 provides continuous maritime mine countermeasures (MCM) capabilities to execute NATO missions across the whole area of responsibility. The task group operates under Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom. MARCOM is the central command of all NATO maritime forces, and the MARCOM commander is the primary maritime advisor to the Alliance.