Courtesy Photo | (From left) Rear Adm. Sinan AzmiTosun, incoming COM SNMG2, Vice Adm. Nusret Guner,...... read more read more
NAPLES, Italy - Today Turkey assumed command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2. Rear Admiral Sinan Azmi Tosun took over from Commodore Michiel B. Hijmans after the change of command ceremony in Aksaz (Turkey).
Overseen by the Deputy Commander Maritime Command Naples, Vice Admiral Carlos Tortosa, the ceremony took place in front of the old and new flagships HNLMS Tromp and TGC Orucreis. It was concluded by presenting the NATO Article 5 medal to the SNMG2 staff.
They participated in NATO’s only Article 5 Operation Active Endeavour last autumn during the increased terrorist threat in Europe. Vice Adm. Tortosa highlighted: “SNMG2 has demonstrated NATO’s solidarity, cohesion and high readiness and has provided a variety of maritime capabilities, ranging from demanding counter piracy operations off the Horn of Africa, to the Article 5 Operation Active Endeavour cooperating in the international effortto fight the terrorism following the criminal Sept. 11 attacks.”
Vice Adm. Tortosa also added that SNMG2 has contributed to the Alliance’s diplomatic efforts to act as a floating embassy. After Rear Adm. Tosun assumed command, he said: “I am extremely proud to take over command of such a group. My predecessor Commodore Michiel Hijmans, has shown what can be achieved with the right allocation of this NATO force. I am confident that we will maintain and even improve the level of effectiveness that you and your staff have displayed. Being well aware of SNMGs’ importance to our alliance, during my term of command, I will do my utmost to keep this exceptional group well trained and operationally ready at all times in serving to ensure peace and stability in the maritime environment. We will embark on a new endeavour and look after all interests for the coming year.
His Excellency Jan Paul Dirkse, Netherlands ambassador to Turkey, Vice Adm. Matthieu Borboom, chief of Netherlands Navy, Vice Adm. Nusret GUNER, Commander Turkish Southern Sea Area and were also present during change of command ceremony.
SNMG2 will conduct an intensive warfare training programme with other Allied navies and also expects to participate in Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean and Ocean Shield off the Horn of Africa.
Background Information:
SNMG 2 is a multinational integrated maritime force that forms part of the NATO Response Force and operates under the command of the Allied Maritime Command in Naples. Permanently activated and held at high readiness it is a mobile and flexible force that allows the Alliance to respond to today’s security challenges. The group currently consist of 2 ships and is now under the command of Rear Adm. Sinan Azmi Tosun, Turkish navy.
SNMG2 currently comprises:
TCG Orucreis Frigate Turkey( Flagship)
FGS Köln, Frigate Germany
HS Kanaris Frigate Greece
| Date Taken: | 06.17.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2011 05:12 |
| Story ID: | 72315 |
| Location: | NAPLES, IT |
| Web Views: | 279 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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