Commander Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) Royal Navy Vice Admiral Mike Utley presided over the Change of Command Ceremony.
Over the last six months, SNMG1 has commanded 11 units from six Allied nations, and commanded 25 units from ten Allied nations during major exercises, strengthening the bonds of unity among diverse maritime forces.
I am incredibly proud of the teamwork displayed by all the crews that participated in the operational tasks and exercises carried out over the past six months
“I am incredibly proud of the teamwork displayed by all the crews that participated in the operational tasks and exercises carried out over the past six months,” said Rear Admiral Escagedo. “SNMG1 has once more proven its capability to sustain a permanent presence in the region, visiting almost all Allied nations there, including Sweden as a NATO member for the first time, and participating as a significant force in all major Allied exercises in the area. Every time we operate and train together we gain a deeper understanding of our roles and responsibilities, increasing our interoperability, which ultimately enhances our ability to perform our duties more effectively.”
In a ceremony held in Ferrol, Spain handed over command of Standing NATO Maritime Group1 (SNMG1) to Denmark after a six-month deployment. From left to right: Spanish Navy Rear Admiral Joaquin Ruiz Escagedo, departing SNMG1 Commander, Royal Navy Vice Admiral Mike Utley, Commander Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM) and Royal Danish Navy Commodore Bo Overgaard, incoming Commander SNMG1
SNMG1 took part in six major exercises during this deployment, including Exercise Steadfast Defender 24, the largest NATO exercise since the end of the Cold War. It was composed of four major naval exercises - MAREX, Dynamic Guard, Joint Warrior and Nordic Response. These practised complex and realistic scenarios alongside NATO Allies and Partners, and all the participating units demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and commitment.
In addition, SNMG1 took part in Dynamic Mongoose 24, a major annual anti-submarine warfare exercise in the Atlantic, led by Commander Submarines NATO. SNMG1 also participated in BALTOPS 24, the premier maritime exercise in the Baltic Sea Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe, led by US 6th Fleet alongside STRIKFORNATO (Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO).
Participation in such large-scale NATO exercises demonstrates SNMG1’s multi-domain capabilities and operational flexibility in a dynamic maritime environment, while maintaining a constant state of high readiness.
The group also trained and interacted with navies and air forces of Allied nations and Partners and with other NATO forces (Standing Naval Forces, Baltic Air Policing and multinational battlegroups), reinforcing interoperability and cohesion.
Multiple threats from multiple fronts, brought on by new technology and new actors, but also old ones, seek to undermine our maritime security. It is within this environment that you have operated and will continue to operate. I congratulate you on having done it so well
“The significance of SNMG1 in safeguarding the maritime approaches of the Euro - Atlantic area cannot be overstated” said Vice Admiral Mike Utley, Commander of the Allied Maritime Command. “The missions we undertake are vital, ranging from countering illicit activities and monitoring critical undersea infrastructure, to demonstrating our collective resolve and readiness to defend our Allies from any threat. Multiple threats from multiple fronts, brought on by new technology and new actors, but also old ones, seek to undermine our maritime security. It is within this environment that you have operated and will continue to operate. I congratulate you on having done it so well.”
Additionally, the SNMG1 ships conducted thirty-nine port visits during this deployment, receiving a very warm welcome from public and military authorities, the media and the public in general. It is worth noting that SNMG1 had the honor and privilege to be the first NATO force to visit Stockholm after Sweden´s accession to NATO.
The Danish Navy will take over command of SNMG1 for the next six months. “It is a great honour and privilege for me to assume command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1,” said Commodore Overgaard. “We live in a world with many challenges and NATO is an essential actor to ensure safety and security for us all. As commander of SNMG1 in the coming months I will do my utmost to contribute to maintaining safety and security at sea – for the benefit of all.”
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.