NATO Maritime Groups of the northern region link up at sea

The NATO Standing Naval Forces of the North, Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) carried out combined training, sailing along the Danish coast on 21st September, NATO Maritime Command announced.

The ten vessels from SNMG1 and SNMCMG1 exercised together in order to foster and support interoperability. Operating in the Baltic Sea, both Task Groups re-enforced Alliance’s presence while contributing to maintaining a credible and capable defensive capability. On this occasion, Commander of SNMCMG1, Lithuanian Navy Commander Audrius Venckunas, was hosted by the Commander of SNMG1, Commodore Jose Mirones, onboard the SNMG1 flagship NRP Corte-Real.

“I highly appreciate having this interaction with SNMG1 units. Cooperation between the Groups is vital in accomplishing NATO missions”, said Commander Venckunas.

The final maneuvers, at close range, provided the ideal setting for aerial photos made possible by the cooperation of a Danish helicopter.

“The maintenance and demonstration of operational effectiveness through exercising is an essential part of the deterrent value of NATO Maritime Groups: SNMCMG1 as a particular relevance in it, particularly in advanced sea control, enabling other maritime operations to take place”, stated Commodore Mirones.

SNMG1 currently consists of vessels from Portugal and Canada. SNMCMG1 currently consists of vessels from Lithuania, Belgium, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, the Netherlands, Norway sailing in partnership with a ship from Finland.

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