Türkiye takes lead of task group within NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force

MUGLA, Türkiye

Türkiye on Wednesday took charge of a task group of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, responsible for the alliance’s naval operations and training activities for mine warfare.​​​​​​​

Naval ships from Germany, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Romania will serve on the task group.

As part of planned activities, mine warfare exercises will be hosted by member countries and bilateral training will be held with riparian countries.

A handover ceremony was held at Türkiye’s Aksaz Naval Base Command in the Marmaris district in Mugla province.

Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Task Group-2 Commander Col. Yusuf Karagulle took the helm of the group.

Karagulle said that he was honored to have the opportunity to command the task group for the second time.

“We will operate in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea to increase NATO's power,” he said.

Turkish Naval Forces will command the task group until July 1, 2023.