Standing Nato Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) ships have started operations and training in the Black Sea, as part of efforts to enhance interoperability with its allies.

SNMG2 will conduct training with ships from the Bulgarian, Romanian and Turkish Navies.

The training programme includes simulated anti-air and anti-submarine warfare exercises, as well as simulated small boat attacks and basic ship handling manoeuvres.

SNMG2 commander rear admiral Brad Williamson said: “The training and exercises we will conduct with our allies in the Black Sea prepares us to undertake any mission Nato might require to meet its obligations for collective defence.

“We are here at the invitation of the Turkish, Bulgarian and Romanian governments and look forward to enhancing our interoperability with their navies.”

SNMG2 consists of six ships including the flagship USS Vicksburg (CG 69), HMCS Fredericton (FFH 337), TCG Turgutreis (F 241), FGS Spessart (A 1442), ITS Aliseo (F 574), and ROS Regina Maria (F 222).

This maritime immediate reaction force is also having substantial sea-control, anti-submarine and anti-air warfare capabilities.

Deployed in North American coast in 2014, SNMG2 has become a part of three high-tempo exercises with multiple allied nations.

The present deployment in the Black Sea is in full compliance with international conventions as a scheduled visit in support of training as well as the assurance of Black Sea Allies, Allied Command Operations stated.

This Nato maritime force will return to the Mediterranean later this month to recommence patrols for maritime situational awareness in the region.