From defpro.com: (6/24/09) The UK has taken command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), a force of five ships from Greece, Italy, Turkey, the UK and the United States, traditionally based in the Mediterranean in order to promote security and stability across the region . . .

This change in command will see the UK having heavy involvement in the ongoing Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR to combat the spread of international terrorism and organised crime such as people trafficking.

However, the new command presages a step change in operations as the group prepares to transit through the Suez Canal in order to conduct counter-piracy operations off the Horn of Africa, taking over from the current activities of its sister task group, SNMG1.