18-21
Jul. 2008
The Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 2, an immediate reaction force made up of ships from various Allied nations, dispatched three units to Novorossiysk, Russia, from 18 to 21 July 2008. The visit was planned as a “NATO-Russia Council Military Representative Work Plan 2008” activity to allow the group to establish relationships with naval authorities, both civilian and military.
The three ships were the Mosel (Flagship, German Navy), Evropi (Minehunter, Greek Navy) and Erdemli (Minehunter, Turkish Navy).
The Commander of the force, Eike Tammen (German Navy), met representatives of the Novorossiysk Headquarters of the Russian Federation Black Sea Fleet and representatives of the city administration. During the visit the two sides conducted unofficial discussions on possible future cooperation.
On the first day of the visit, a social reception took place on the Mosel for Russian representatives and the military attaches of the countries contributing ships to the group. A reception was held on board the Evropi the following day.
Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 is a high-readiness force which can be deployed as required by the Alliance. The group is made up of ships provided by various NATO members. During the year the ships train and operate together and also participate in numerous exercises conducted by the Alliance. The main task of the Group is to counter the underwater mine threat to sea routes and passages.
The Group regularly contributes to NATO’s Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean. The Russian Navy joined this operation in September 2006. It is expected that patrol ship Ladny will participate in the operation this summer.
