Türkiye takes command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2

Turkish navy has taken command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) from Dec. 3, 2024, to July 4, 2025, marking the fifth time the country has taken on this responsibility.

NATO’s SNMG2 command assumed at Aksaz Naval Base

A handover ceremony was held on Tuesday, at Aksaz Naval Base, where command was officially transferred from the Canadian Navy to Türkiye.

Rear Admiral (LH) Halil Ilker Avci will lead SNMG2, with the Turkish frigate TCG Kemalreis serving as the flagship vessel.

Türkiye’s leadership role in NATO operations

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced that the Turkish Naval Forces Command will carry out its duties as the SNMG2 command for the fifth time, underscoring its continued contributions to NATO’s maritime security efforts.

3 Aralık 2024-4 Temmuz 2025 tarihleri arasında NATO Daimî Deniz Görev Grubu-2’nin (#SNMG2) komutasını üstlenen Deniz Kuvvetleri Komutanlığımız, bu görevi 5’inci kez yürütecektir.

Aksaz Deniz Üs Komutanlığında 3 Aralık 2024 tarihinde düzenlenen devir teslim töreni ile 🇨🇦 Kanada… pic.twitter.com/D58g6d7E4A

— T.C. Millî Savunma Bakanlığı (@tcsavunma) December 3, 2024

SNMG2 is one of NATO’s key standing maritime forces, tasked with enhancing readiness and interoperability among allied navies.