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SNMG1 and SNMCMG1 trains in the Baltic Sea

COPENHAGEN, Denmark – After a port visit to Copenhagen at the beginning of the month, Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) with the Standing NATO Mine-Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1), are participating in Exercise NORTHERN COASTS 16 (NOCO-16).

SNMG1, composed of F-100 Class Frigate ESPS MENDEZ NUNEZ -the Group´s Flag Ship for SNMG1 Commander, RADM Jose E. Delgado (ESP N) –, NRP ALVARES CABRAL, FGS LUDWIGSHAFEN and BNS LEOPOLD I, will participate in this year’s exercise NORTHERN COASTS, a reoccurring exercise in the Baltic Sea since 2007.

NOCO-16 is a German-sponsored large-scale exercise designed to provide participants with relevant training in a fictitious but realistic scenario. Up to 38 naval units, including submarines, from 16 NATO and partner nations, will take part in this exercise, with focus on underwater and above the water warfare. Under Command of RADM. Delgado, SNMG1 and the Standing NATO Mine-Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1), will train together as a single Task Group in this exercise.

Rear Admiral Delgado expressed how this exercise will contribute to enhance NATO ability to meet present and future challenges in a littoral environment. "By training together, NATO and partners strengthen the ability to effectively combine national assets, in order to face any possible security challenges in a maritime environment,” said Rear Admiral Delgado. "This major exercise will prove NATO Standing Forces capability to rapidly grow to a bigger multinational Task Group, whenever and wherever could be demanded.”

SNMG1 and SNMCMG1 are two of four multinational, high readiness maritime forces composed of vessels from various allied countries. These vessels are permanently available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from participation in exercises to operational missions. These groups provide NATO with a continuous maritime capability and help to establish Alliance presence, demonstrate solidarity, conduct routine diplomatic visits and enhance interoperability among Allied naval forces. They also serve as a consistently ready maritime force of the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).