Greek and Georgian forces linked up as part of an exercise to boost maritime security under NATO’s Operation Sea Guardian (OSG) umbrella.
Run under NATO Maritime Command (MARCOM) in Northwood, U.K., Operation Sea Guardian was launched in November 2016 as the successor to Active Endeavour.
Both operations have helped deter terrorist activity in the Mediterranean Sea and secure one of the world’s busiest trade routes while enhancing wider maritime situational awareness and security capacity.
In the latest OSG exercise, during patrols in the eastern Mediterranean, Hellenic Special Operation Forces (SOF) and the Georgian Boarding team aboard HS Elli (F450) conducted joint combat casualty training.
Other focuses of the three weeks of drills included gathering and sharing real-time data to boost maritime situational awareness, and counter-terrorism exercises, including patrols and hailing operations. Temas also engaged with regional navies and coastguards to strengthen interoperability and readiness.
As per a recent MARCOM press statement, “Teams exchanged insights about the administration of first aid, operating equipment, and small unit training, boosting readiness and interoperability for future operations.”
Commander of the OSG task group Hellenic Navy Captain Vasilios Stathoulias commented: “During these past three weeks, we operated together with all Allied forces and partners as a team. Through our commitment and professionalism, we enhanced maritime situational awareness and promoted maritime security across the eastern Mediterranean while acting as a deterrent against terrorism.”
He added: “With these efforts, NATO is making our seas safer and our alliance stronger.”
- You can read more details on the MARCOM website