● Over the next two months, the mine hunter, under the operational control of the Operations Command, will join NATO's Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 2
After a tough stage of enlistment, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the mine hunter 'Tambre' set off to join the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG-2), expected on June 14th in the Greek port of Salamis.
Starting that date, and for the next two months, the vessel will get integrated into the naval group under Greek command and operational control of the Spanish Operations Command. The sailing area will be the eastern Mediterranean, visiting countries such as Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria.
During its deployment the 'Tambre' will take part into the ARIADNE multinational exercise, in Greek waters, and BREEZE, in the Black Sea. In addition, it will support Operation Sea Guardian, which aims to contribute to knowledge of the Mediterranean maritime environment, as well as protection against terrorist activities.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and, during the last stage of the enlistment process, the crew was separated into three groups, implementing on-site shifts for essential maintenance and promoting teleworking as measures to ensure the health and safety of the whole crew. In addition, the entire crew was tested before set off.
NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG-2)
The main mission of the SNMCMG-2 is to contribute to keep the main ports of the Alliance and its naval bases open to traffic, as well as the detection, localization, identification and neutralization of any sort of mines.
Therefore, the allied ships integrated in this naval group carry out constant patrols and exercises, to perform and improve NATO´s naval procedures.
The Spanish participation in the SNMCMG-2 is an example of Spain´s commitment in favour of collective defence and shared security with the Alliance in order to guarantee peace, world security and international legality, as well as to prevent possible conflicts.
Furthermore, it represents an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties with units from other allied navies, and to reinforce integration and interoperability within the naval group.