On Monday, 15 January, the Hellenic National Defense General Staff announced that last Friday, (12 January), Greece’s naval force held a handover ceremony in Italy, to introduce their new captain.
Taking place at their Naval Base La Spezia in Italy, Greek Captain Fotis Paraskevas took over the command duties of the NATO Mine Countermeasures Maritime Group Two (SNMCMG2).
Ekathimerini shared that Paraskevas replaced Italian Captain Ettore Ronco on Friday, aboard the General Support Ship HERACLES.
In attendance was NATO Rear Admiral Stefan D. Pauly.
Greece’s participation in SNMCMG2, one of NATO’s two permanently activated naval forces dedicated to mine countermeasure operations, strengthens its commitment to maritime safety, especially in the Mediterranean region.
SNMCMG2 plays a vital role by providing NATO with immediate response capabilities, especially with its NATO Response Force (NRF) during times of peace, crisis, and heightened tension.
Every six months, in participating states, the command responsibilities are rotated to a new leader.
Source: Ekathimerini.
