Ships assigned to Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2) arrived in Varna, Bulgaria on Saturday, March 7, for a scheduled port visit during the Group’s deployment to the Black Sea.
Led by Rear Admiral Brad Williamson (USA N), SNMG2 is currently comprised of the flagship USS Vicksburg (CG 69), HMCS Fredericton (FFH 337), TCG Turgutreis (F 241), FGS Spessart (A 1442), ITS Aliseo (F 574), and ROS Regina Maria (F 222).
SNMG2 is in the Black Sea as part of a regularly scheduled deployment to the region to assure NATO Allies of the Alliance’s commitment to collective defense. During the deployment, SNMG2 ships are training with ships from the Bulgarian, Romanian and Turkish Navies.
During the port visit, SNMG2 leadership will meet with local Bulgarian authorities and Navy officials to discuss numerous issues of shared importance, to include exercises in the Black Sea.
SNMG2 Sailors will also have the opportunity to experience the rich culture and history of the surrounding area and participate in volunteer opportunities before returning to the Black Sea to train with the Bulgarian Navy and maintain maritime situational awareness in the region.
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Image: MARCOM