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Standing NATO Maritime Group One visits Klaipeda, Lithuania

BALTIC SEA – Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1), arrived in Klaipeda, Lithuania today for a scheduled port visit as part of the group’s deployment to the Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is an area of great strategic importance, where NATO maritime units are able to provide an important contribution to NATO`s enhanced forward presence in the region.

"We are currently operating in the Baltic Sea, providing maritime situational awareness to the Alliance,” said Commander SNMG1, Commodore Ole Morten Sandquist. "Patrolling the Baltic Sea provides great opportunities to operate with Allies and partners, to enhance interoperability and share best practice.”

These past weeks, SNMG1 has trained together with the Estonian Navy, the Latvian Navy, and the Swedish Navy and Air Force. On Wednesday, SNMG1 accompanied the commercial vessel MV Hartland Point who transported Norwegian military equipment to Klaipeda, as part of NATO`s enhanced Forward Presence.

"We have benefitted from training with close Allies as well as key partners in the Baltic region, and will continue to do so in the period to come. Close cooperation with local navies strengthens our collective defence by enhancing Alliance capability,” said Sandquist.

During the port visit, SNMG1 command team will meet with civilian and military authorities in Klaipeda. The port visit is also a great opportunity for the sailors to enjoy a break from operations.

SNMG1 is currently composed of the NATO group flagship, Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen, and the Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen.

HNoMS Roald Amundsen and HNLMS Evertsen will be open for public visitors Sunday, May 28, from 1 to 4 p.m. (13 to 1600 EEST). The ships will be in port in Klaipeda Harbor, pier number 80.