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AKSAZ NAVAL BASE, Türkiye – Turkish Rear Admiral H.İlker Avci handed over command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) to Italian Rear Admiral Francesco Iavazzo during a ceremony at Aksaz Naval Base, Türkiye on 4 July 2025. Vice Admiral Didier Maleterre, Deputy Commander of Allied Maritime Command, presided over the ceremony and offered his congratulations to the incoming and outgoing commanders.

The ceremony marked the conclusion of a successful seven-month command period by the Turkish Navy with the flagship frigate TCG Kemalreis. The deployment included participation in key NATO and national exercises, including Steadfast Dart-25, Dynamic Manta-25, Dynamic Mariner-25/FLOTEX-25, Mare Aperto-25 and MED Strike-25, along with deterrence activities across the Area of Responsibility.

With the efforts of our multinational staff, the dedicated crew of the flagship and the participating Allied naval units, we have covered every inch of the Mediterranean Sea and showcased NATO’s superiority in the maritime domain

Throughout the deployment, SNMG2 carried out a wide range of operations to bolster NATO’s deterrence and defence posture, including vigilance activities, maritime situational awareness and interactions with other Allied units.

A total of 16 warships from 9 Allied nations served with the task group - from Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States - spending 122 days at sea.

The ships carried out 15 port visits to six different countries – Albania, France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Türkiye – delivering NATO’s message of unity and cooperation to more than 30 local civil and military authorities.

In a ceremony held at the Aksaz Naval Base, Turkish Rear Admiral H.İlker Avci handed over command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) to Italian Rear Admiral Francesco Iavazzo. The handover ceremony marked the conclusion of a seven-month command period by the Turkish Navy on board flagship TCG Kemalreis.

Following 213 days in command, Rear Admiral Avci reflected on the achievements of the group.

“With the efforts of our multinational staff, the dedicated crew of the flagship and the participating Allied naval units, we have covered every inch of the Mediterranean Sea and showcased NATO’s superiority in the maritime domain,” he said, “contributing to the Alliance’s strengthened deterrence and defence posture.”

Under Rear Admiral Avci’s leadership, SNMG2 demonstrated high-level coordination and flexibility, executing complex, multi-task operations, conducting exercises while maintaining the maritime environment across the region.

During this period, SNMG2 enhanced readiness, interoperability and cooperation by conducting joint training and Passing Exercises (PASSEX) with numerous Allies.

SNMG2 also supported NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian, contributing to maritime situational awareness and maritime security in the region.

Assuming command, Admiral IAVAZZO said it was a proud moment for the Italian naval forces and for him personally.

The Italian Navy remains firmly committed to the objectives of the Alliance, contributing advanced capabilities, operational expertise, and a long-standing tradition of maritime excellence

"It is a profound honour and responsibility to assume command of Standing NATO Maritime Group Two,” he said. “The Italian Navy remains firmly committed to the objectives of the Alliance, contributing advanced capabilities, operational expertise, and a long-standing tradition of maritime excellence. Italy’s continuous participation in NATO’s Standing Naval Forces reflects a strong culture of integration and interoperability, further affirmed by the solid results achieved during previous Italian commands.

“Under my command, SNMG2 will continue to uphold freedom of navigation, ensure the security of vital sea lines of communication, and maintain a credible and coherent posture of deterrence, in close coordination with our Allies. Professionalism, readiness, and cohesion will continue to guide our efforts in support of NATO’s collective defence and maritime security.”

SNMG2 is one of NATO’s four standing maritime task groups under the operational control of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). These task groups form the core maritime capability of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF) and provide a continuous maritime capability to execute NATO missions across the spectrum of operations, demonstrating solidarity and strengthening the bond and interoperability between Allied naval forces.

Story by Public Affairs Office at MARCOM