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Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) took over on 29 June responsibility from Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) for conducting counter piracy operations off Somalia as part of the ongoing Operation ALLIED PROTECTOR.

The exchange of responsibilities was conducted in the Red Sea to ensure a seamless transition, maintaining the pressure on the pirates.  By rotating the Standing Maritime Groups through the region, a powerful NATO presence can be maintained in the Gulf of Aden and around the Horn of Africa indefinitely, demonstrating the organisation’s resolve to tackle the problem. 

Having the two groups collocated is a relatively rare event, but the importance of dealing with the threat to maritime security and stability posed by the piracy activity has called for continued commitment from the international community including NATO. 

The incoming Commander SNMG2, Commodore Steve Chick (Royal Navy) said “The successes achieved against the pirates over the last few months off the Horn of Africa by SNMG1 have really demonstrated the effectiveness of NATO’s standing maritime forces. Along with that of the other maritime forces in the region, the combat power brought to bear by the Group has had a telling effect on pirate activity, and the flexibility with which SNMG1 has taken to the task is testament to the continued relevance of maritime forces in the modern world.” 

Rear Admiral José Pereira da Cunha (Portuguese Navy), Commander SNMG1, has been in theatre for just over three months. During this period numerous pirate attacks were thwarted, and pirates disarmed to prevent further criminal activity. Approximately 30 vulnerable ships were escorted ensuring safe passage through these dangerous waters, including ships bringing vital food and supplies to Somalia.  Onboard his flagship NRP Côrte-Real, Pereira da Cunha summarized the mission. "Operation ALLIED PROTECTOR demonstrates not only NATO’s determination to counter piracy activities in the Horn of Africa region,” he said, “but also represents the contribution by Allied Nations and the common expression of the Alliance’s cohesion, vital to the success of our efforts to combat today´s threats."