Four NATO ships in Batumi for joint drills with Georgian Coast Guards

Four North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) ships are stationed in Batumi in west Georgia to participate in joint trainings with Georgian Coast Guards. 

The ships, which are part of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2) and tasked to respond immediately in the Mediterranean area, will remain in Georgia until February 15. 

The major aim of their visit was to teach Georgia how to better its Coast Guard operations and how to react in different situations. 

Currently the NATO ships are involved in the Active Efforts operation in Mediterranean waters, which also ensures safe international traffic on the Black Sea. 

The ships are part of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2 (SNMCMG2). Photo by the Interior Ministry. 

Georgia’s Interior Ministry’s Coast Guard Department has been part of the Active Efforts operation since 2010 and cooperated with the mission through the exchange of information. 

Within the operation, NATO Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Giorgio Lazio will come to Georgia tomorrow and meet Georgia’s Minister of Internal Affairs Giorgi Mgebrishvili in Batumi. 

Georgia’s Interior Ministry’s Coast Guard Department has been part of the Active Efforts operation since 2010. Photo by the Interior Ministry. 

The SNMCMG2 normally comprises of eight mine sweepers and a support ship from Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The SNMCMG2 participates in NATO exercises or in real-time missions. It is deployed primarily in the Mediterranean area but, as required, was available anywhere NATO need.