Ships assigned to Standing NATO Maritime Group Two task unit 02 (SNMG2 TU.02) recently concluded a busy port visit in Casablanca, Morocco with a passing exercise and boarding exercise off the coast of Morocco.
SNMG2 TU.02 led by Canadian Navy Commander Trevor MacLean included HMCS Fredericton (FFH 337) and Italian frigate ITS Aliseo (F574).
During the port visit, Moroccan naval officers were welcomed aboard HMCS Fredericton for a tour and a luncheon.
In conjunction with this visit Deputy Commander Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) Vice Admiral Bruno Paulmier from the French Navy paid a visit to Casablanca and to Rabat at the Royal Moroccan Navy Headquarters to discuss issues of mutual interest.
Vice Admiral Paulmier was received by the Inspector General of the Royal Moroccan Navy, Vice Admiral Mohamed Laghmari, and discussed the status of NATO’s anti-terrorist Operation Active Endeavour. Operation Active Endeavour is supported by the Royal Moroccan Navy whose contribution adds significantly to Maritime Security in the Western Mediterranean.
During the remaining days of the port visit there was a particularly effective training opportunity with SNMG2 TU.02 and partners. NATO Special Operations Command and Control Element (SOCCE) arranged to have Canada’s Enhanced Naval Boarding Party (ENBP) work together with multinational Special Operations Forces (SOF). The exercises included scenarios which highlighted the NATO standard for shore and sea-based training.