ITS Virginio Fasan and USS Bulkeley conduct PASSEX in eastern Mediterranean

The Italian frigate ITS Virginio Fasan, flagship of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2), joined forces with the U.S. destroyer USS Bulkeley for a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) in the eastern Mediterranean. The exercise focused on improving tactical coordination, communication procedures, and manoeuvre integration among allied naval forces.

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15 february 2026   |   21:51   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. NATO Maritime Command

NATO ships train together in high seas

PASSEX exercises are a routine part of NATO training, allowing different navies to practice joint procedures and ensure rapid operational integration. During the exercise, crews worked on maritime surveillance, safety operations, and anti-submarine warfare drills, strengthening alliance capabilities.

Enhancing interoperability and anti-submarine warfare capabilities

The operation highlights the importance of interoperability, ensuring that diverse ship systems and crews can operate effectively together. It also helps boost the readiness and operational capacity of NATO naval forces in the Mediterranean region.

Strategic importance for maritime security

According to NATO communications, such exercises serve not only a tactical role but also a strategic signaling purpose, demonstrating the alliance’s commitment to stability, deterrence, and collective maritime security. In the context of regional naval activity, the operation enhances NATO’s ability to monitor and respond to potential threats.

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ITS Virginio Fasan SNMG2 USS Bulkeley ćwiczenia PASSEX bezpieczeństwo morskie

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