The Turkish Navy frigate TCG Kemalreis (F-247) served as the Task Group’s Flagship as Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) sailed into Aksaz on September 9 in advance of NATO Exercise Dynamic Mariner/Mavi Balina 22.
SNMG2 Commander U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Scott Sciretta handed over command and control of his task group to Kemalreis on September 1 while operating at sea as a demonstration of the interoperability and interchangeability of the Task Group from the guided-missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98).
In advance of Dynamic Mariner/Mavi Balina 22, Kemalreis carried out force replenishment-at-sea operations with USNS Kanawha and completed all operational responsibilities in the central and eastern Mediterranean Sea.
“Kemalreis and her crew have proven themselves to be an extremely highly-capable warship that sets the standard across our maritime forces,” Sciretta said. “She is a model Flagship and is another example of the very robust, interchangeable, and interoperable force we maintain.”
With the completion of this time at sea, Kemalreis’ successful deployment, comes to a conclusion.
The capability of NATO to deploy a high-end, highly capable marine force that maintains robustness is defined by interchangeability and interoperability. It is highlighted by the ability to change command and control in real-time while operating at sea.
“Part of being ready to fight tonight means the Task Group must remain flexible and effective under any circumstances. We once again validated this capability during this underway period under the careful watch of Kemalreis.” She added.
The Commander, Turkish Maritime Forces will use SNMG2 as part of NATO’s Exercise Dynamic Mariner/Mavi Balina 22. It is a milestone training event that brings together maritime forces from 12 Allies.
SNMG2 is a multinational integrated task group that gives the Alliance a continuous maritime capability. The capability to carry out a variety of tasks, including exercises and actual operations in times of crisis and conflict. It also serves as a constant and obvious reminder of the Alliance’s solidarity and cohesion afloat.
