Operation Active Endeavour: 10 years of countering the threat of terrorism at sea

26 Oct. 2011 -
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Last updated: 04 Nov. 2011 16:28

Since 26 October 2001, NATO's Operation Active Endeavour (OAE) has been protecting the Mediterranean Sea against the threat of terrorism. The operation evolved out of NATO’s immediate response to the terrorist attacks against the United States of 11 September and is NATO’s only Article 5 collective defence operation.

ITS Etna, the SNMG1 flagship, and and a RIB boat from ESPS Marques de la Ensenada conduct training. (Photo by: OR9 Giancarlo Silvestrin (ITA Navy) - SNMG1 Photographer)

“The operation has come a long way and evolved enormously over the years but resolve and solidarity are still at the heart of mission”, said Vice Admiral Rinaldo Veri, Commander Allied Maritime Command Naples and Commander OAE. In the last ten years, the operation has been extended to the whole of the Mediterranean Sea and has benefited from contributions from NATO Allies, Partner and Mediterranean Dialogue countries. It has now become largely network-based and has developed a state-of-the-art maritime situational awareness programme. This programme has proven its value in supporting the maritime operations carried out as part of NATO’s Operation Unified Protector which focused on protecting civilians in Libya.

High resolution photos

- Operation Active Endeavour:10 years of countering the threat of terrorism at sea A NATO Airborne Warning and Control System on station. Airborne assets such as these contribute large amounts of data to Operation Active Endeavour during both deterrent and surveillance surge operations.
- Operation Active Endeavour:10 years of countering the threat of terrorism at sea The first flagship of OAE was HMS Chathman and since then numerous surface and sub-surface assets have rotated through the Operation. Today the SNMG2 flagship, TCG Oruchreis along with FGS Schleswig Holstein is patrolling the Mediterranean Sea in support of OAE.
- Operation Active Endeavour:10 years of countering the threat of terrorism at sea 17 Jan. 2011 Replenishment at Sea occurs between ESPS Marques de la Ensenada and FGS Lubeck. Flagship ITS Etna serves as a guard ship. (Photo by: OR9 Giancarlo Silvestrin (ITA Navy) - SNMG1 Photographer)
- Operation Active Endeavour:10 years of countering the threat of terrorism at sea Crew of the Spanish warship Marques de la Ensenada rescue a stranded sailor adrift for several days after engine failed.
- Operation Active Endeavour:10 years of countering the threat of terrorism at sea ITS Etna, the SNMG1 flagship, and and a RIB boat from ESPS Marques de la Ensenada conduct training. (Photo by: OR9 Giancarlo Silvestrin (ITA Navy) - SNMG1 Photographer)
- Operation Active Endeavour:10 years of countering the threat of terrorism at sea This is Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 flagship Turkish frigate TCG Orucreis.