AEGEAN SEA – The Commander of NATO's Allied Maritime Command, Vice Admiral Clive Johnstone, paid a visit to the FGS BONN last week, the flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) as the ship continues its activities in the Aegean Sea.

During the visit Vice Admiral Johnstone met with Rear Admiral Jörg Klein, Commander, SNMG2 to discuss the BONN's current activities.  He also observed a simultaneous replenishment-at-sea-manoeuver (RAS) with the two frigates HS SALAMIS and TCG BARBAROS.  The British landing ship dock auxiliary (LSD(A)) MOUNTS BAY acted as lifeguard station.

"SNMG2 is demonstrating here in the Aegean how NATO can work effectively with FRONTEX and national authorities in support of the international effort against human trafficking," said Vice Admiral Johnstone. "The coordination and cooperation I've witnessed during my short time aboard is impressive, and I'm proud of what we've accomplished thus far.

"The visit of COM MARCOM shows the importance of what we are doing here. It is much easier to communicate face-to-face than by using telephone or email, especially when it comes to discussing such detailed issues," said Rear Admiral Klein. "It was also a statement to the crew and the other ships of SNMG2, to honour what they are doing.

"BONN is currently patrolling the Aegean Sea, conducting reconnaissance, monitoring and surveillance activities as directed, and is sharing information with Turkish and Greek authorities and the European Union's border agency, FRONTEX, to assist in the international efforts to counter human trafficking and criminal networks in the region.

To learn more about NATO's Allied Maritime Command, visit their website at www.mc.nato.int