TCG Salihreis, flagship to Operation Sea Guardian, Focused Patrols 25-1, conducted visits to merchant vessels creating awareness for NATO's presence to improve maritime security. Air support played a critical element to these patrols to succeed.
Air-maritime coordination was carried out by NISRF (NATO Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Force), which plays a vital role in enhancing air-maritime coordination by integrating airborne and naval assets for real-time intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations. This coordination enables the synchronization of information sharing between NATO’s air, surface, and submarine forces, improving maritime situational awareness and operational effectiveness.
During this patrol, the task monitored hundreds of merchant vessels and conducted more than 100 hailings (one vessel communicating with another while underway). In NATO maritime operations, including Operation Sea Guardian, hailing is a key part of maritime situational awareness, helping to deter threats, enhance security and maintain stability at sea. The hailings also provide assurance to mariners that NATO forces are present and committed to freedom of navigation.
TCG Salihreis also executed a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Italian Navy ship ITS Alpino. These interactions enhance interoperability and deepen ties with NATO Allies.
NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian enhances situational awareness throughout the Mediterranean Sea by identifying threats to maritime security and monitoring potential criminal activities that could support terrorism.
The OSG task group, functioning under the operational command of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), serves as a central point for sharing maritime security information within the Alliance.