The Standing NATO Maritime Group Two (SNMG2), under the command of the Italian Navy, has launched a new operational phase in the Mediterranean following its departure from Taranto, Italy, as part of NATO’s ongoing maritime security efforts.
SNMG2 is one of four permanent multinational maritime groups forming NATO’s high-readiness Allied Reaction Force. Operating under NATO’s Allied Maritime Command in Northwood, UK, the group maintains a continuous presence in the Mediterranean to uphold freedom of navigation, deter potential threats, and strengthen regional cooperation.
Since July, SNMG2 has been led by Rear Admiral Francesco Iavazzo of the Italian Navy. The group currently includes the Italian frigate ITS Carlo Bergamini, the Canadian frigate HMCS St. John’s, and the Spanish support ship ESPS Cantabria. Its multinational crew features officers from Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, Romania, Spain, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.
According to NATO, the deployment reinforces collective security and provides an immediately ready maritime force capable of responding to crises. Rear Admiral Iavazzo stated that the operations “demonstrate NATO’s ability to operate as a unified multinational force” and send “a clear message of Allied cohesion, determination, and readiness.”
In recent months, SNMG2 has conducted patrols and joint exercises throughout the Mediterranean, including collaborations with North African partners. A visit to Alexandria, Egypt, highlighted NATO’s long-standing engagement with Mediterranean Dialogue countries, a partnership forum established in 1994 that includes Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Mauritania, Morocco, and Tunisia.
“Partnerships matter,” Iavazzo said. “Egypt’s regional experience and security expertise make it a valuable partner. Stability, security, and cooperation in the Mediterranean benefit everyone.”
NATO describes its sustained presence in the Mediterranean as a visible sign of Allied unity and deterrence, ensuring the security of vital sea lanes linking Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. “The security of these waters and the security of Europe are inseparable. By safeguarding one, we protect both,” Iavazzo emphasized.
