Norwegian Commander Ole Torstein Sjo, who led the group for the last six months, handed over to Polish Commander Lieutenant Piotr Bartosewicz. This transition signifies the strong commitment of both Norway and Poland to collective defense and NATO's mission to maintain a stable and secure maritime environment. It also emphasizes the continued cooperation and partnership between the two nations in safeguarding maritime activities in the region.
Norwegian Commander Ole Torstein Sjo, who led the group for the last six months, handed over to Polish Commander Lieutenant Piotr Bartosewicz. This transition signifies the strong commitment of both Norway and Poland to collective defense and NATO's mission to maintain a stable and secure maritime environment. It also emphasizes the continued cooperation and partnership between the two nations in safeguarding maritime activities in the region.
The Polish Navy has taken the helm of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1).
The task group also celebrated the milestone 50th anniversary of SNMCMG1 with NATO land forces in Latvia, thereby strengthening Maritime Land Integration and the joint approach to operations.
Vice Admiral Maleterre also expressed confidence in the ability of Polish Navy Commander Bartosewicz to take the helm and lead SNMCMG1, recognizing both nations’ contributions to enhancing the task group's operational capabilities while fostering international cooperation.
Poland’s command of SNMCMG1 reflects its active role and commitment to NATO. Poland continues to contribute to collective defense efforts, and cooperates with other member states to ensure maritime security and stability.
Under Commander Bartosewicz's leadership, SNMCMG1 will continue to improve cooperation between allies and partners, as well as address the evolving challenges in the maritime domain.
SNMCMG1 is one of four standing forces that comprise the maritime component of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF), which is part of the NATO Response Force (NRF) and provides a constant mine countermeasures capability to the Alliance. To respond to contingency situations, additional forces can be added to this group, with the NATO command staff on board the Flagship, capable of providing timely support to NATO operations.