Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 visits Split

The SNMG2 is a multinational Naval integrated naval force, composed of the USS (missile cruiser) Vicksburg (CG 69), the Turkish Turgutreis (F 241), the Canadian frigate Fredericton,  the Italian frigate Aliseo, the Spanish frigate (Canarias) and the Patino (A14) replenishment ship, the French Navy FS Marne (A 630) ship and the German Navy’s FGS Spessart oiler (A 1442), deployed in the Mediterranean enhancing the maritime security and readiness in the area.
On the first day of the visit, the Group’s Commander, Rear admiral Brad Williamson paid office calls in the  Split-Dalmatia County , the Split City Government, and the Croatian Navy Command, where he met with the Navy Commander, Commodore Predrag Stipanović and his staff.
The Croatian Navy Commander welcomed the new visit of the SNMG2 to Split and the new round of exercise activities with the Croatian Navy. He also expressed satisfaction with the continuation of the successful co-operation and the resulting increased interoperability between the NATO forces and the Croatian Navy: “The joint exercises are a valuable learning opportunity and produce additional guidance towards greater efficiency,  in exercises and in peace-keping operations alike“. 
The exercise events took place in the central Adriatic aquatorium on Tuesday, 10 February, engaging the RTOP -12 and RTOP 21 missile boats and two rubber boats of the Croatian Navy. It comprised the counter-mine and anti-surface warfare, over-the-horizon-targeting, electronic warfare, air defence, replenishment-at-sea, manoeuvres, attack combat, repelling of the speedboat attacks and the communications.
The SNMG2 forces members also conducted charitable activities (refurbishing the building and the surrounding) for the “Juraj Bonači” Centre for education of children with disabilities in Split.
The visit was concluded by a reception given by Radm Williamson aboard the USS Vicksburg.