NAPLES, Italy - Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 commanded by of Rear Admiral (LH) Thorsten Kaehler recently conducted a port visit to Naples from the Sept. 1-5. Besides courtesy calls with the Deputy Mayor, Aldo Cariolla, and the Prefect of Naples, H.E. Andrea De Martino, Kaehler also met high ranking military authorities of the Italian navy and NATO.
The commander hosted a Force Luncheon onboard the Turkish frigate TCG Gediz for local authorities and military guests. The Standing NATO Maritime Counter Measure Group 2 conducted a port visit to Naples at the same time. This offered the opportunity for all units to exchange experiences gained during training and exercise periods.
On behalf of the Commander Allied Maritime Command Naples, Vice Admiral Rinaldo Veri, Kaehler hosted more than 150 high ranking military and civilian guests from Naples and the region aboard FGS Bayern.
On Sept. 5 Vice Admiral Rinaldo Veri accompanied by Admiral George Zambellas, commander Allied Maritime Command Northwood took the opportunity to visit SNMG2 units at sea. The two Admirals conducted a visit to the Flagship FGS Bayern and the Turkish frigate TCG Gediz and used this opportunity to hear about the ships crew’s experience within operations in the Mediterranean.
A busy and important day for the force ended with an exercise including the Italian navy frigate Maestrale and the Portugese submarine Arpao, the latest additions to Standing NATO Maritime Group 2.
The SNMG2 ships composition is currently:
•FGS Bayern Frigate, Germany (Flagship)
•ITS Maestrale Frigate, Italy
•TCG Gediz Frigate, Turkey
•NRP Arpão Submarine, Portugal
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 t respond to today's security challenges.