The port of Thessaloniki hosted the naval units of the maritime component command (MCC) of NATO, deployed as part of the exercise Steadfast Dart 25 under the command of the 2nd Naval Division / commander italian maritime forces.
This stopover represented an important opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the Allied forces and to consolidate relations with the civil and military authorities of Greece.
One of the highlights of the stay in port was the official visit of the Honorary Consul of Italy in Thessaloniki, Dr. Georgia Saranaopoulou. During the meeting, the Consul stressed the importance of cooperation between NATO naval forces and local institutions, highlighting the strategic role of Greece and Italy in the Alliance.
The day ended with an official evening meeting on board, attended by civil and military representatives, including officers of the Greek Navy and the Spanish and Turkish navies, as well as representatives of NRDC (Nato Rapid Deployable Corps) Greece and diplomatic representatives and local authorities.
Among the salient events during the stopover, it is worth mentioning the protocol visits to various units of the task force, like the Spanish LHD Juan Carlos I and the Turkish frigate Kemal Reys.
Delegations of the Hellenic Navy, NATO officers and representatives of the task force naval officers had the opportunity to board the participating ships, encouraging discussion on maritime operations, regional security and interoperability between allied forces.
Activities included briefing operational on the missions of the Steadfast Dart 25, with a focus on air defense and anti-submarine warfare operations, technical demonstrations on advanced naval capabilities, including the integration of radar systems and missile defenses, and crew exchanges, strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding between the different participating nations.
The stopover in Thessaloniki of the ships of the maritime component command represented a key moment in the exercise Steadfast Dart 25, combining operational and Naval Diplomacy, strengthening relations between military forces, civilian institutions and allies, in a context of growing attention to maritime security in the Mediterranean.
