Turkish flagship TCG S. MEHMETPASA

Nisida - Naples, Italy – Standing NATO Mine Counter Measure Group 2 (SNMCMG2) today began a visit to Algiers, Algeria. The Port Visit will last from 21 to 24 February and forms part of an extensive Programme for the Group aimed at increasing cooperation and understanding between NATO and Algeria.

The visit will allow NATO units to foster relationships with civilian and military authorities and offers the opportunity for national authorities to apprise themselves of SNMCMG2's capabilities and ongoing activities. During the visit, the crews will have an opportunity to visit historical and cultural sites.

The Commander of SNMCMG2 is Captain Abdulhamit SENER (Turkish Navy) embarked on his flagship TGS S. MEHMETPASA. SNMCMG2 is presently comprised of mine-hunting ships from Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

The SNMCMG2 ships visiting Algeria are:

TCG	S. MEHMETPASA	Command&Control Ship	Turkey (Flagship)
ITS	Numana	Minehunter	Italy
ESPS	Turia	Minehunter	Spain
TCG	Akcakoca	Minehunter	Turkey
HMS	Ledbury	Minehunter	United Kingdom

 

The Group is maintained at high-readiness and can deploy as required by the Alliance even at strategic distance. It is made up of ships from various Allied nations which train and operate together throughout the year and participate in numerous exercises conducted by the Alliance, as a mine-countermeasure force. The primary task is to defend sea routes from the underwater mine threat. As a secondary task, the group collects important data on the marine environment and sea bottom, which contributes to scientific research.

NATO's Mediterranean Dialogue was initiated in 1994 by the North Atlantic. It currently involves seven non-NATO countries of the Mediterranean region: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia. This programme has the overall aim of contributing to regional security and stability, constantly improve mutual understanding and dispel any misconceptions about NATO among Dialogue nations. The programme was enhanced at the NATO Prague Summit in 2002, when a more ambitious and expanded framework was established through stronger practical co-operation. This included enhancing the existing political dialogue, achieving interoperability, developing defence reform and contributing to the fight against terrorism.