Italy hands over NATO SNMG2 command after six-month rotation

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) has entered a new phase following a handover ceremony in Taranto, where the Italian Navy concluded six months of command of Mediterranean maritime operations, the UK Defence Journal understands.

Rear Admiral Francesco Iavazzo transferred command to Rear Admiral Cristian Nardone aboard the frigate ITS Carlo Bergamini, in the presence of Rear Admiral Luca Pasquale Esposito of NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). The event highlighted Italy’s sustained leadership and continuity in the group’s activities across the Mediterranean.

According to MARCOM, the Italian-led rotation lasted 172 days, including 124 days at sea, 20,000 nautical miles covered and roughly 3,000 operational hours by the flagship. The deployment involved ships from six nations, with contributions from Canada, Greece, Spain and Türkiye.

Operations focused on deterrence and defence along NATO’s southern flank. Activities included persistent patrols in sensitive areas, Enhanced Vigilance missions, rotations under Neptune Strike 25 and exercises such as Dynamic Guard 25. Interoperability training with partners also featured, including Passing Exercises with Egypt and a port visit to Alexandria.

Rear Admiral Iavazzo said the six-month period demonstrated cohesion among NATO forces. “Thanks to the commitment of our SNMG2 international staff, the professionalism of our crews, and the contribution of all the units that took part in the task group, we demonstrated the Alliance’s cohesion and readiness,” he stated, adding that SNMG2 remains “one of NATO’s pillars at sea, particularly in the Mediterranean, which requires constant attention and immediate response capabilities.”

Rear Admiral Nardone, assuming command, framed the mission around maritime security and collective defence. “It is a great honour for me to assume command of SNMG2,” he said. “Together with our Allied and Partner navies, we will continue to operate with professionalism, vigilance, and determination. The security of these waters is inextricably linked to the security of all Allied nations.”

SNMG2 is one of NATO’s four standing maritime groups tasked with maintaining continuous presence and readiness across peacetime, crisis and conflict. The rotation supports assurance measures, interoperability and the Alliance’s ability to respond rapidly across the North Atlantic, Baltic and Arctic approaches, according to MARCOM.