NATO ships are conducting a focused security patrol in the Eastern Mediterranean from the 22nd of October to the 5th of November, 2019.
The focused patrol is part of NATO Operation Sea Guardian, a non-Article 5 maritime security operation aimed at working with Mediterranean stakeholders to maintain maritime situational awareness, deter and counter terrorism and enhance capacity building.
This Task Group is led by Captain Themistoklis Papadimitriou (Hellenic Navy) and includes the flagship, Greek frigate HS Navarinon, Bulgarian frigate BGS Verni and Romanian frigate ROS Regele Ferdinand. NATO ships are also supported by submarines from Greece, Italy and Turkey as well as maritime patrol and airborne early warning aircraft.
The operation focuses on gathering pattern-of-life information and observing maritime traffic, identifying any suspicious activity at sea.
As part of the focused operations, NATO vessels will visit ports of Alexandria in Egypt, and Haifa in Israel, as well as training with our Mediterranean partners.
Story via Allied Maritime Command Public Affairs Office
On the surface, it doesn’t seem that important but….in reality, these patrols are VERY important as NATO members are learning to work together and to observe how the Russian Navy operates and responds.