Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) recently completed the final cross-pollination (CROSSPOL) event of the group’s U.S.-led deployment.
CROSSPOL is designed to give Alliance Sailors the opportunity to spend one to two days aboard another Allied ship. While aboard, Sailors are assigned running mates with similar responsibilities, and are able to follow their counterparts and experience the shipboard culture and customs of a different navy.
Throughout the year-long deployment, SNMG2 units have conducted a total of 35 CROSSPOL events for over 450 sailors among 19 ships from 10 different nations.
Fifty-four Sailors from the current flagship Vicksburg have been able to spend time aboard an Allied ship during the Vicksburg’s six-month deployment with the group.
The response to the program has been overwhelmingly positive, with many Sailors reporting a beneficial and educational experience.
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Image: MARCOM