USS Forrest Sherman assumed flagship duties for SNMG2 on July 1.
Whereas working within the Euro-Atlantic space she offered steady maritime functionality by working all through the Mediterranean Sea, Ionian Sea, Adriatic Sea, Aegean Sea and Tyrrhenian Sea. Her vigilance actions stretched from the Straits of Gibraltar to the Syrian Channel and so far as the northern Adriatic Sea.
“I can’t specific sufficient how proud I’m of the Sailors on board USS Forrest Sherman,” mentioned U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Scott Sciretta, commander of SNMG2. “They served admirably, assembly and exceeding every operational dedication and problem. Their persistent presence because the flagship for a world activity group served as an lively deterrent to our adversaries and ensured peace and respect for nationwide sovereignty, territorial integrity, human rights and worldwide regulation. Because of their efforts, the NATO Alliance is stronger than ever and we’ll proceed to reveal how our combat-credible, forward-deployed drive is essentially the most potent, versatile and versatile instrument of navy energy. To the Sailors of Forrest Sherman and their households whose sacrifices permit them to serve, thanks.”
USS Forrest Sherman demonstrated a excessive stage of interoperability by serving because the flagship for a activity group of 21 totally different rotating ships from seven NATO nations. Moreover, she led the duty group because it built-in with varied different Allied maritime teams to incorporate Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two (SNMCMG2), the U.S. Navy Harry S. Truman Provider Strike Group (HSTCSG) and George H.W. Bush Provider Strike Group (GHWBCSG), the French Navy Charles De Gaulle Provider Strike Group, the Italian Navy Cavour Provider Strike Group and the Royal Navy HMS Albion Littoral Readiness Group. All through her deployment she visited 9 totally different ports in seven nations, proudly flying the NATO flag, and serving as a visual reminder of the Alliance’s solidarity and cohesion afloat.
“Serving because the flagship for SNMG2 has been an unimaginable privilege” mentioned U.S. Navy Commander Lawrence Heyworth IV, commanding officer of USS Forrest Sherman. “The crew of the Forrest Sherman loved working intently with ships and Sailors from 12 totally different nations all through this deployment, and we’re pleased with the interoperability and interchangeability we’ve developed with our NATO Allies and companions.”
USS Forrest Sherman is scheduled to finish her six-month deployment and return to her homeport in Norfolk, Virginia, in the US. USS James E. Williams is scheduled to function SNMG2’s flagship all through the rest of her deployment.
“The crew of James E. Williams is ready and able to interact the challenges that lie forward as we assume flagship duties for SNMG2,” mentioned U.S. Navy Commander Robert Eire, commanding officer of USS James E. Williams. “We stay up for persevering with to strengthen our relationship with NATO Allies and companions whereas working within the Euro-Atlantic space.”
As a NATO activity group, SNMG2 prioritizes its mandate to boost the collective readiness, responsiveness, deployable readiness, integration and interoperability of its forces. Its focus is on deterrence and protection towards all adversaries within the maritime area, upholding freedom of navigation, securing maritime commerce routes and defending the primary strains of communication.
SNMG2 is a multinational built-in activity group that tasks a continuing and visual reminder of the Alliance’s solidarity and cohesion afloat. This steady maritime functionality performs a variety of duties, together with workout routines and real-world operations in durations of disaster and battle.
SNMG2 is certainly one of 4 Standing Naval Forces that function below NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom.
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