Suez Canal, 16 October 2008 - Ships of NATO's Standing Naval Force Mediterranean transiting the Suez Canal enroute the Indian Ocean. Shown on the picture are HMS Cumberland (frigate 85, United Kingdom) followed by TCG Gokova (frigate G496, Turkey) and FGS Rhön (auxiliary A 1443, Germany). (NATO photo by PO Luigi Cotrufo, ITN)
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Suez Canal, 16 October 2008 - HMS Cumberland (frigate 85, United Kingdom) transits the Suez canal as part of NATO's Standing Naval Group 2, enroute the Indian Ocean. (NATO photo by PO Luigi Cotrufo, ITN)
(Photo 1.82MB)

Suez Canal, 16 October 2008 - HMS Cumberland (frigate 85, United Kingdom) and TCG Gokova (frigate G496, Turkey) transit the Suez canal enroute the Indian Ocean. The ships are part of NATO's Standing Naval Group 2, the NATO Force currently tasked to conduct both anti-piracy duties and visit NATO partner nations in the Gulf region. (NATO photo by PO Luigi Cotrufo, ITN)
(Photo 1.91MB)

NATO Standing maritime Group 2 is exercising formation manoeuvres. Left to right, first row: TCG Gokova, FGS Karlsruhe, ITS Durand de la Penne, HMS Cumberland, HS Themistokles; followed by USS Barry and FGS Rhoen. USS Barry is presently not included in SNMG2, the ship has been replaced by USS The Sullivans.
(Photo 1.91MB)

Indian Ocean, 26 October 2008 - The Italian destroyer ITS Durand de la Penne, flagship of the NATO Standing Maritime Group 2 and of the Task Group conducting Operation Allied Provider while escorting the MV Rozen towards Mogadishu, Somalia. The escort was in support of the African Union Mission in Somalia (UNISOM). NATO has been assisting the AU Mission in Somalia since 2007 by providing airlift support. (NATO photo by PO Luigi Cotrufo, ITN)
(Photo 1.91MB)

Indian Ocean, 26 October 2008 -  The Merchant Vessel Rozen enroute the port of Mogadishu, Somalia.  The Rozen was chartered by the African Union to deliver supplies for the Burundi Battalion of UNISOM. The escort was approved by the North Atlantic Council in consideration of the favourable position of the NATO ship and in the absence of concurrent escorting requirements related to the WFP food delivery. NATO has been assisting the AU Mission in Somalia since 2007 by providing airlift support. (NATO photo by PO Luigi Cotrufo, ITN)
(Photo 1.91MB)