France takes over SNMCMG 2

For the first time, France has taken command of one of NATO's four standing maritime task forces. During a partly virtual ceremony, the Deputy Commander of NATO Maritime Command, Vice Admiral Didier Piaton, handed over command of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG 2) to Commander Gregory Guiran. In future, he will operate from on board the French flagship Somme lead the boats under his command. "Recent actions and exercises under the leadership of outgoing commander Yusuf Karagulle have shown that NATO is fully operational in mine defence, soldiering and cohesion in the face of an ever-increasing threat," Guiran praised his predecessor.
Turkish Captain Yusuf Karagulle led the mine countermeasure unit for more than two months from 19 February. During this time, the units travelled over 3,500 nautical miles in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. In three major exercises, Poseidon, Ariadne and ITA Minex, the men and women on board were able to put their skills and knowledge to the test. They also called at harbours in Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, Greece and Italy. In addition to the Turkish flagship, minesweepers from Bulgaria, France, Greece, Italy, Romania and Spain have also taken part in the organisation in recent months.

France takes command for the first time

Text: mb; Photos: NATO/Marine Nationale