Rear Admiral Edward Cashman of the U.S. Navy assumed command of SNMG1 from the Royal Danish Navy and Commander Peter Krogh of the Royal Danish Navy assumed command of SNMCMG1 from the Belgian Navy.
Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) are two of the four standing maritime forces composed of ships from various Allied countries.
The Alliance say that these vessels provide a continuous maritime capability for the organisation to perform different tasks ranging from partnership building and enhancing relationships to being able to conduct high intensity warfare.
SNMG1 has been under Danish command since January 2018 say the alliance, with HDMS Niels Juel followed by HDMS Esbern Snare serving as the flagship.
“It has been a privilege to command Standing NATO Maritime Group One,” said Commodore Friis in a news release issued by the alliance.
“Seen both from a professional and personal perspective, it has been a pleasure to experience the very high level of dedication and team spirit amongst the ships’ crews and within my staff. I wish the best of luck to Rear Adm. Cashman for his time as commander of SNMG1.”
Cashman will command the group from the new flagship according to the release, Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely.
“My staff and I are honoured to become part of Standing NATO Maritime Group One as we begin the 70th anniversary year of the Alliance,” said Cashman.
“I understand how important our Mission is and what a critical time in history we are living in. The North Atlantic is a bridge that connects the Allies, not a barrier that separates them. That connectivity is even stronger today and more important than ever to our security and to our prosperity.”
SNMCMG1 has been under Belgian command since January 2018, with Dutch ship HNLMS Mercuur followed by Belgian ship BNS Godetia as flagship.
We should all support this organization to the hilt. Other concepts should not hinder its future pathway.