NATO military ships visit Vlora to cooperate with Albanian Armed Forces

NATO military ships docked in the seaport of Vlora, south of Albania on Friday for a scheduled three-day visit in the framework of the cooperation program with the Albanian Armed Forces.

The visiting vessels are part of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group, SNMCMG2, and the goal of the visit is to enhance interoperability of Albanian naval vessels under joint development of naval operations to NATO.

During the three-day visit, the SNMCMG2 personnel will pay visits and hold meetings at the Albanian Flotilla Command in Pashaliman base, Vlora Municipality and Prefecture.

SNMCMG2 normally comprises eight mine hunters or mine sweepers and a support ship from Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Britain and the United States.

SNMCMG2 operates as an integral unit whether participating in exercises or conducting real world operational missions. It is employed primarily in the Mediterranean area but, as required, will be available anywhere NATO requires it to deploy.

Albania became a NATO full member on April 1, 2009. Endit