Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO Task Unit 02 (SNMG2 TU.02), part of NATO’s four Standing Maritime Forces, entered the Black Sea to participate in the U.S./Ukraine-led Exercise SEA BREEZE and enhance NATO’s solidarity and readiness in the region.
Task Unit 02 presently consists of the Canadian frigate HMCS TORONTO and the Spanish frigate ESPS ALMIRANTE JUAN DE BORBON. They remain under the overall command of COM SNMG2 Rear Admiral Brad Williamson (USA N).
“During our deployment in the Black Sea, we look forward to working closely with both Allied and partner naval forces,” said the commanding officer of HMCS TORONTO, Commander Jason Armstrong. “Our deployment, building upon Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Group TWO’s deployment in July, continues to demonstrate Allied commitment to collective defence.”
Exercise SEA BREEZE 2014 is a scheduled multinational naval exercise conducted to improve interoperability while promoting regional stability and security, strengthening international military partnerships, and fostering trust among forces and personnel of participating nations. The two NATO ships will participate alongside ships from Ukraine, the United States, Romania, Turkey, and Georgia.