Denmark assumed command of SNMG1 from Spain in July 2024.
During Overgaard’s time in charge, SNMG1 has participated in several Passing Exercises with Allied and Partner nations, conducted a number of Vigilance Activities, as well as certifying several units associated with the Group.
Ships from SNMG1 also participated in multinational exercise Northern Viking alongside Portugal, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Iceland, Norway, Poland, the United States and others, to strengthen the defence of Iceland and NATO territory.
Handing over command, Commodore Overgaard said he was honored to have been in command of the Task Group for the last three months.
The Standing NATO Maritime Groups are delivering important effects at sea every day in the Area of Operations
“I have previously worked in the SNMG1 staff for 12 months, and over the years on several occasions I have sailed with the Group, so being given the opportunity and experience to command the Group is a huge privilege. The Standing NATO Maritime Groups are delivering important effects at sea every day in the Area of Operations, and based on what I have witnessed from within SNMG1, I have no doubt the ships in the group will continue to make a difference in the northern part of the operational theatre.”
Commodore Bo Overgaard (DNK N) addressing the invitees during his handover command ceremony, held in Edinburgh on board SNMG1 flagship HDMS Maud.
The incoming Commander, Commodore Rasmussen, previously served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations in the Naval Command Denmark, where he was responsible for national and international operations and sea training. In April 2024, he graduated from the United Kingdom’s Higher Command and Staff Course, before taking command of the Royal Danish Navy 2nd Squadron – which included all Danish frigates, Mine Countemeasure units and the Fleet Diving Unit.
In your career as a naval officer you will inevitably assume a variety of different positions, both on land and at sea, and as the years go by, the possibility for active sea duty diminishes. That has also been the case for me
“In your career as a naval officer you will inevitably assume a variety of different positions, both on land and at sea, and as the years go by, the possibility for active sea duty diminishes. That has also been the case for me,” said Commodore Rasmussen. “That is why I have been very much looking forward to this moment. Active sea duty, amongst highly skilled and professional sailors, in an international environment with a dedicated staff, and out there, where your everyday actions and decisions makes a difference. I look forward to continue the work of SNMG1 until Denmark hands over the responsibility to the Netherlands next year.”
SNMG1 is one of the four Standing Naval Forces that provide security across the NATO area of responsibility. They are the core of NATO's high readiness maritime capabilities, carrying out NATO missions across the full spectrum of operations, ready to respond to any task at any time.