Speaking at a press conference held on 'Bayern' frigate moored at Istanbul's Sarayburnu, German Rear Admiral Thorsten Kahler, explained that one of the most significant functions of the fleet is to provide defense for national security and terrorism. "The Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) is a high-security force of the alliance. We are carrying out a maneuver in Istanbul as part of our mission to carry out a defense task against terrorism in the Mediterranean."
Explaining that providing security for the Mediterranean and conducting tasks against terrorism are important duties of the (SNMG2), Kahler expressed that he feels the naval fleet is effective in the fight against terrorism."Terrorism is everywhere," states Kahler, "and it is coming to the Mediterranean. However, we do not want it here. We have to spread messages against terrorism."
Kahler also emphasized in his address that the fleet's presence in Istanbul had no connection to the recent political developments between Turkey and Syria.
The Bayern frigate was introduced to the media following the press conference. At 138.9 meters length and 16.7 meters width, the frigate, which operates with a crew of 218, is capable of a speed of 29 kilometers.
