SNMG-2 Arrives Off Somalia

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 has arrived off the coast of Somalia. It is unclear what this will mean for US Navy forces already off the coast of Somalia, but hopefully they don't simply leave.

While it is unclear what official rules of engagement NATO has been given by NATO command, the Somalians are making clear what they would like to see from NATO. Interesting.

Somali Prime Minister Nur Hassan Hussein Sunday welcomed the arrival of seven NATO warships off the coast of his country to help in the battle against pirates in the region.

"We are so delighted with the arrival of those NATO ships into our waters and they have our full consent to fight against the pirates," the prime minister said at a news conference.

"NATO can carry out any acts including military actions in our waters against the pirates," he added.

Can you say green light? It highlights the Somalian governments frustration regarding the pirate problem. While it might be "just pirates," this is not a small test for NATO, and the US Navy has more than a little on the line here. The maritime strategy of the US Navy today is specifically organized towards building this type of cooperative international approach to regional problems. This is a 4GW test of international naval forces that in one region tests the ability of international institutions like the UN and NATO to manage 4GW challenges at sea. This will also be an early test of both the credibility and durability of the Navy's own strategic concept for the 21st century. Should be interesting to observe unfold.

Standing NATO Maritime Group 2

ITS Durand de la Penne (D560)
FGS Karlsruhe - (F212)
FGS Rhön - (A 1443)
HS Themistokles - (F465)
TCG Gokova - (F496)
HMS Cumberland - (F85)
USS The Sullivans - (DDG 68)