#                                                                         NATO Task Group demonstrates flexibility and strength in the Mediterranean Sea                                                                    

##### by Cmdr. Fernando Estrella, NATO Allied Maritime Command

17 May 2023
                Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Alpino ( F594) conducted cross-deck boat operations with Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS (DDG 95). USS James E Williams (DDG 95) is the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2), a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance’s solidarity and cohesion afloat and provides the Alliance with a continuous maritime capability to perform a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict.                            230509-N-NU642-0004                            Carlo Bergamini-class frigate ITS Alpino ( F594) conducted cross-deck boat operations with Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS (DDG 95). USS James E Williams (DDG 95) is the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2), a multinational integrated task group that projects a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance’s solidarity and cohesion afloat and provides the Alliance with a continuous maritime capability to perform a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict.            SHARE IMAGE:Download ImageImage DetailsPhoto By: Cdr. Fernando EstrellaVIRIN: 230509-N-NU642-0004CAGLIARI, Italy - Over the past few weeks, Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) has engaged in multiple activities throughout the Mediterranean, showcasing its reach and seamless integration with Allied navies.While SNMG2’s flagship USS James E. Williams patrolled the Eastern Mediterranean Sea conducting vigilance and surveillance activities, HMCS Fredericton (FFH 337) and ITS Thaon Di Revel (P 430) took part in Exercise Mare Aperto 23-1, hosted by the Italian Navy in the Tyrrhenian and Central Mediterranean Seas.USS James E. Williams transitioned from surveillance to a key role in Exercise Noble Jump 23, along with ITS Alpino (F 594) in the Ionian and Adriatic Seas from 8-11 May. The exercise, sponsored by Joint Force Command Naples, was designed to test units’ ability to plan and conduct a deployment to a contested area under peacetime conditions.At the end of the exercise, SNMG2’s flagship made a three-day port visit to Cagliari.“Our ability to disaggregate the task group and fulfill multiple requirements at once speaks to the flexible and interoperable manner in which we operate,” said Commander SNMG2, U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Scott Sciretta. “Our units were able to train and improve readiness for future crises, while simultaneously maintaining the security of the strategic maritime domain and projecting a constant and visible reminder of the Alliance’s solidarity and cohesion afloat. That is the strength of the NATO Alliance.”As a NATO task group, SNMG2 prioritises its mandate to enhance the collective readiness, responsiveness, deployable readiness, integration and interoperability of its forces. Its focus is on deterrence and defense against all adversaries in the maritime domain, upholding freedom of navigation, securing maritime trade routes and protecting the main lines of communication.SNMG2 is a multinational integrated task group that performs a wide range of tasks, including exercises and real-world operations in periods of crisis and conflict.SNMG2 is one of four Standing Naval Forces that operate under NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom.

Tags:
**USS James E. Williams**Standing NATO Maritime Group Two

Terms:
**Exercises**Partnerships