Returning to the Black Sea

Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) entered the Black Sea for the first time this year to conduct further routine operations and to participate in a regional exercise organised by the Romanian Navy.

SNMG2, composed of ESPS Cristobal Colon (flagship), BGS Smeli, ROS Regina Maria and TCG Kemalreis will enter the Black Sea under the command of the Spanish Navy Rear Admiral Manuel Aguirre Aldereguía.

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During its deployment in the Black Sea, and after the joining of BGS Smeli and ROS Regina Maria, SNMG2 will conduct force integration training, maritime security patrols within the region, and it will integrate with NATO Air Command activities. During this integration, a Common Operational Picture (COP) will be established with the aim of reinforcing the connectivity functions of the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence Systems and verifying coordination processes among air and maritime assets.

NATO Standing Groups regularly participate in exercises in the Black Sea with Allied nations bordering the Black Sea to improve interoperability, practice NATO standard procedures, tactics and techniques.

After completing this Black Sea deployment, SNMG2 will resume its program of activities in the Mediterranean, including participation in multi-national maritime exercises, maritime security operations and support to Operation Sea Guardian, as well as continuing cooperation with allied and partner navies.