Ship Viareggio, currently engaged in the operation Noble Shield, from 22 December 2023 it became part of the NATO's Second Standing Mine Countermeasures Group (SNMCMG2), with which he carried out numerous operational and training activities within the Mediterranean basin.
The activity is focused on the objectives of maritime presence and surveillance, deterrence, protection and monitoring of merchant traffic, as well as continuous training that allows the maintenance of a high operational capacity. The minehunter Viareggio it left from the source of La Spezia last January 15th together with the Iraklis ship, an auxiliary unit of the Greek Navy, which appears as the Group's flagship.
Ship Viareggio, in the almost 1000 nautical miles traveled before reaching Naples, it touched the ports of Toulon, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca and Cagliari. During this period, the comparison and interaction with foreign navies was particularly stimulating for the crew, participating in exercises of different complexity and nature, strengthening interoperability between the different assets of the Atlantic Alliance and contributing to the safety of navigation through monitoring of underwater infrastructures, seabeds and commercial routes entering and exiting ports.
The unit is currently reaching the turning point of its stay in the operation Noble Shield, who will leave in March to return to La Spezia, where he will continue to ensure the fulfillment of the missions assigned by the command of the mine countermeasures forces.
