The ceremony marked the end of a successful year under German Navy command. The multinational team worked diligently to ensure the Task Group provided NATO with a dedicated mine countermeasures capability, a vital part of NATO’s quick reaction, high readiness forces.
Throughout the deployment, the group monitored critical underwater infrastructure, protected sea-lines of communication and participated in historic ordnance disposal operations. These tasks are esential to maintain safe passage, reduce the threat from historic mines and ensure freedom of navigation for all shipping. Once again, SNMCMG1 has played a key part in NATO´s collective defence and deterrence of the Baltic and North Sea region.
In her farewell remarks, Commander Król reflected on the milestones achieved during the past year, while thanking those who contributed to the success of the mission.
I want to express my sincere gratitude for the unwavering backing from Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), which helped me navigate through rough waters. I also deeply appreciate the trust placed in me by the soldiers under my command. Their dedication and professionalism have been truly inspiring. Yet, none of the Task Group’s achievements would have been possible without the tireless efforts of my staff and the steadfast support of the Flagship FGS Werra working behind the scenes. Thank you all.”
Germany transfers control of SNMCMG1 to The Netherlands during a Change of Command Ceremony in Kiel, Germany
During the deployment, in total 17 units from nine Allied nations took part in SNMCMG1, as well as two explosive ordnance disposal diving teams from Latvia and one from Portugal.
Under Commander Król’s leadership, the group demonstrated its ability to operate in complex multi-layered scenarios, participating in environmentally challenging exercises such as Freezing Winds 2024 in the Finnish Archipelagos. Additionally, the units have trained together with the Lithuanian Navy and Air Force, Latvian Air Force and Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1).
SNMCMG1 found 51 sea mines, countermined 38 of them, thus making the North and Baltic Sea safer by 120 square nautical miles.
The Task Group carried out 42 port visits, increasing public awareness of NATO and making a significant contribution to NATO’s diplomatic mission. From Tallinn in the East to the Faroe Islands in the West, and from Hammerfest in the North to St. Malo in the South, SNMCMG1 was able to foster cooperation and demonstrate the strength of the Alliance.
Over the next six months, SNMCMG1 will continue this important task under the leadership of Commander Erik Kockx with flagshp HNLMS Luymes.
Former Commander Beata Król highlighted the importance of the continuing presence of the group at sea, while being convinced of its success.
"With this handover, I am not only transferring the command of a force at sea to Commander Kockx, but also the responsibility for the contribution to maintain safety and security within the North and Baltic Sea region. There is no doubt that he will successfully complete this challenging task. Nevertheless, a sailor always needs fair winds and following seas - which I sincerely wish for him, his staff and the units of his Task Group at all times."
SNMCMG1 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.
SNMCMG1 provides continuous maritime mine countermeasures (MCM) capabilities to execute NATO missions across the whole area of responsibility. It operates under Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom. MARCOM is the central command of all NATO maritime forces, and the MARCOM commander is the primary maritime advisor to the Alliance.