Turkey handed over to Italy the command of the permanent naval operational group-2 (SNMG-2) and the NATO-2 constant mine-traffic group (SNMCMG-2), which has been performed for the last six months after receiving the mandate from Canada.
In connection with the transfer of command at the naval base, Aksaz in the Marmaris area of the province of Mugla, a solemn ceremony was held.
The event was attended by Deputy Commander of the Turkish Naval Forces Vice Admiral Ibrahim Ozem Kocher, Deputy Commander of the Naval Committee of NATO Vice Admiral Dyge Maletirer, Rear Admiral Baybars Kyuchukatai, commander of the southern operational group Rear Admiral Soner Kazanka, commanders of SNMG-2 Rear Admiral Khalil Ilker Avjay and Francesco Lavazzo (Italy), as well as the commanders of SNMCMG-2-Colonel Kurshad Kurnaz and Lieutenant Colonel Fortunato Genoveza.
The ceremonies were also attended by military personnel of the naval base and crews of ships.
After the execution of the national hymns of Turkey and Italy, as well as the NATO anthem, the flags and the signing of the acceptance certificate were transferred.
The SNMG-2 commander Rear Admiral Halil Ilker Avja handed over command and symbolic flag to the Italian colleague Rear Admiral Francesco Lavazzo, signing the corresponding protocol.
Colonel Kurshad Kurnaz also handed over the flag of the command of SNMCMG-2 to Lieutenant Colonel Fortunato Genoveza.
The speeches at the ceremony were made by the deputy commander of the Naval Committee of NATO (Marcom), Vice Admiral Didier Maleterr, as well as the commanders participating in the transfer of the command.
SNMG-2 includes a wide range of warships-frigates, destroyers and support vessels provided by NATO member countries, including Canada, Spain and Italy.
For six months, Türkiye has been commanded by a multinational group from the flagship TCG Frigate Kemal Reis, in the headquarters of which military personnel from the UK, Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Romania and Greece.
During this period, 16 warships from nine countries were involved in the performance of tasks – the USA, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Canada, Portugal, Turkey and Greece. In the water area of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, operations were carried out to increase combat readiness, observation of the situation and demonstration of presence.
In addition, the group participated in a number of national and union exercises in Spain, Italy and Greece. As part of the mission, 20 visits were also made to the ports of six countries, which contributed to the strengthening of interaction between naval forces and promoting NATO values.