Standing NRF Maritime Group 2
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Standing NATO Response Force Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) is a North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) standing maritime Immediate Reaction Forces. Prior to 1 January 2005 it was known as Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED or more colloquially as SNFM).
Nations normally contributing to the group include Germany, Greece, Italy, The Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States. Other NATO nations have also occasionally contributed.
The composition of SNMG2 varies depending on the current contributions of nations, but generally consists of 4-8 frigate or destroyer type ships and one oiler or support ship. Command of the force rotates in one year intervals among participating countries. The current Commander (2008) is Turkish Rear Admiral (LH) Sinan Ertugrul, TN, flying his flag on TCG Salihreis (F-246).
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[edit] Organization
SNMG2 is a component of the NATO Response Force (NRF).
Operationally, SNMG2 reports to the Maritime Component Command Naples, which is one of the three Component Commands of Joint Force Command Naples.
[edit] History
Standing Naval Force Mediterranean (STANAVFORMED) was activated on 30 April 1992, in Naples, Italy. STANAVFORMED was the successor to the NATO Naval On-Call Force Mediterranean (NAVOCFORMED) - which had been periodically activated for more than 20 years.
During the 1990s, STANAVFORMED was heavily involved in Operation Sharp Guard, the maritime embargo in the Adriatic Sea.
On 6 October 2001, STANAVFORMED deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Operation Active Endeavour, NATO's maritime contribution to the fight against terrorism. Although Task Force Endeavour is now made up of dedicated assets, the two SNMGs routinely "surge" to provide additional assets to the operation. When not directly supporting operations, the force conducts a rigorous plan of exercises, maneuvers and port visits.
