Operation Allied Protector From March to August 2009, NATO
launched Operation Allied Protector, a counter-piracy operation,
to improve the safety of commercial maritime routes and
international navigation off the Horn of Africa. The force
conducted surveillance tasks and provided protection to deter
and suppress piracy and armed robbery, which are threatening sea
lines of communication and economic interests. The North
Atlantic Council (NAC) has agreed that NATO will continue to
contribute to international community efforts to counter piracy
off the Horn of Africa. The aim of the mission is to enhance the
safety of commercial maritime routes and international
navigation in the area. The Standing NATO Maritime Group 2
(SNMG2) under the command of Commodore Steve Chick assumed
responsibility from SNMG1 on 29 June 2009. Piracy and armed
robbery off the Horn of Africa are a significant concern to the
international community, nations, non-governmental and
commercial organisations. A number of these countries and o