von NATO maritime group visits Russia
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| The Commander of the Standing NATO Maritime Countermeasures Group 2, Commander Eike Tammen, German Navy, gets welcomed with “Bred and Salt”, an old Russian welcome tradition on 18 July 2008 in Novorossiysk. |
Naples, Italy 13 July 2008 – Units of the Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) will visit Novorossiysk from 18 to 21 July 2008 The visit is an activity within in the NAVAL COOPERATION SECTION of the “NATO RUSSIA COUNCIL MILITARY REPRESENTATIVE WORK PLANS 2008 AND BEYOND”.
The visit will allow NATO units to establish relationships with civilian and military authorities. It represents an excellent opportunity for military dialogue that will enhance understanding and may promote further cooperation.
Commander of the Force is Commander Eike Tammen, German Navy, embarked on board the Flagship, FGS Mosel. The SNMCMG2 ships visiting Novorossyisk are:
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| A young child from Novorossiysk looks with interest at German ice cream served on board FGS Mosel, the flagship of the Standing NATO Maritime Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2). The ship was open to public visits during the first visit of ships of SNMCMG2 to a Russian port, on 18–21 July 2008. |
FGS Mosel (Flagship, German Navy)
HS Evropi (Minehunter, Greek Navy)
TCG Erdemli (Minehunter, Turkish navy)
The SNMCMG‑2 is a high readiness Force that can be deployed as required by the Alliance. It is made up of ships from various Allied nations. They train and operate together throughout the year and participate in numerous exercises conducted by the Alliance. As a Mine Countermeasures Force, the SNMCMG2 is primarily tasked to counter the underwater mine threat to sea routes and passages. Besides, as a NATO Force the Group permits to show the cohesion of the Alliance under the NATO flag in the different port visits and to improve the relationships with the different visited Nations.
The Force routinely contributes to NATO’s anti-terrorism operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean Sea. The Russian Navy began contributing to this operation in September 2006 and is expected to deploy the patrol ship RFS Ladniy this summer, as part of the operation.
Quelle/Source: NATO
