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SNMG1 concludes exercise BALTOPS 2017

KIEL, Germany – Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) entered the port of Kiel Friday morning, marking the conclusion of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2017.

Together with 50 ships from 14 allied and partner nations, SNMG1 has participated in BALTOPS since June 4, an exercise providing challenging training scenarios in several areas of expertise, such as air, surface, sub-surface, mine warfare and amphibious operations in the Baltic Sea.

"Exercise BALTOPS has provided us with valuable high-end training across the entire spectrum of naval warfare, and enhanced interoperability between Allies and Key Partners,” said Commander SNMG1, Commodore Ole Morten Sandquist (NOR). "Our presence and well executed exercises demonstrates that we are stronger together.”

The sailors of SNMG1 are looking forward to a well-deserved break in Kiel, after which the  ships will return to sea for more training.

SNMG1 is currently operating in the Baltic Sea, providing maritime situational awareness to the Alliance, and engaging with allies and key partners. The Group is composed of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 flagship, Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen and Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen.

Commodore Sandquist commanded of one of five maritime task groups during the exercise. His task group was comprised of the two SNMG1 ships and four additional ships: US destroyer USS James E. Williams, Danish command and support ship HDMS Absalon, Swedish corvette HSwMS Nyköping, and Finnish minelayer FNS Hämeenmaa.

BALTOPS is an annual multinational maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region, designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, in order to demonstrate the ability to provide sea control and project power from the sea.