During the ceremony, Italian Navy Captain Fortunato Genovese formally handed over command of SNMCMG2 to Hellenic Navy Captain Dimitrios Karamoutzogiannis. The event was attended by senior military leaders, including US Navy Rear Admiral Bret Grabbe, Commander Submarines NATO at MARCOM, and underscored the seamless continuity of leadership within one of NATO’s key standing naval forces.
Throughout their six-month deployment, the units of SNMCMG2 demonstrated a consistently elevated level of operational excellence, professionalism, and readiness while operating in a complex and demanding maritime environment.
Command of the task group was exercised from two Italian Navy flagships. The initial flagship, ITS Foscari, was later succeeded by ITS Thaon di Revel. The multinational group comprised the Hellenic Navy ship Evropi; Italian minehunters Rimini and Crotone; the Spanish Navy vessel Sella; and the Turkish Navy ship Akcakoca. Together, these units operated seamlessly to deliver effective mine countermeasures and maritime security operations.
Handing over command, Captain Genovese said SNMCMG2 had operated at a consistently high tempo.
“I want to express my heartfelt thanks to MARCOM and the Italian Navy for their trust in me and my Staff. Over these six months, we have shown what Allied navies can accomplish when we operate as one team,” he said. “Our success is the result of shared values, professionalism, determination and unwavering commitment.”
SNMCMG2 successfully executed mine countermeasures operations and maritime security patrols, contributing directly to NATO’s deterrence posture and the preservation of freedom of navigation in the Mediterranean. These efforts underscored the enduring threat posed by sea mines and unexploded ordnance to maritime safety and highlighted the group’s vital role in mitigating those risks. These efforts reinforced the strategic importance of the group within NATO’s southern maritime domain, where ensuring safe sea lines of communication and protecting critical maritime infrastructure remain essential tasks.
“It is an honor to take command of SNMCMG2″, said Captain Dimitrios Karamoutzogiannis. “We will continue to operate with professionalism, unity and determination, in full support of Allied Maritime command and the NATO Alliance.”
Throughout the deployment, SNMCMG2 participated in a wide range of multinational exercises designed to enhance interoperability and tactical proficiency. These included Dynamic Move 25, Neptune Strike 25, Dynamic Messenger 25, and Nusret 25. Through these activities, the group achieved significant advances in operational cohesion, joint tactics, and collective readiness.
In addition to its operational commitments, SNMCMG2 conducted a notable port visit to La Valletta, Malta, strengthening diplomatic engagement and reinforcing regional partnerships beyond the Alliance. Throughout the deployment, the group also worked closely with Allied and Partner naval units, including assets from the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, further enhancing mutual trust and collective operational effectiveness.
As SNMCMG2 continues to operate in a dynamic and evolving security environment, the group remains ready to respond to crises, conduct mine countermeasures operations, and support NATO objectives. Guided by vigilance, adaptability, and unity, SNMCMG2 stands prepared to conduct its mission during the next operational rotation.
SNMCMG2 is one of four standing NATO maritime groups providing continuous maritime presence and readiness in peacetime, crisis, and conflict. Deployments like this contribute to Allied assurance measures, enhance interoperability, and demonstrate NATO’s ability to operate across the Mediterranean Region.