The Royal Netherlands Navy (RNLN) has officially handed over the command of the Standing Nato Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) to their German counterparts.

Announced by Nato’s Allied Maritime Command, the change in command was marked by a ceremony held on 6 January at the RNLN’s main naval base at Den Helder in North Hol­land.

During the ceremony, RNLN commander Jeanette Morang handed over the SNMG1 banner to German Navy rear admiral Thorsten Marx.

Thorsten said: “Together, we show that Nato is ready and standing as one. For that, we strive daily to ensure that our task group is visible, persistent and as ready for tomorrow as we are today.”

The Netherlands took over the command of SNMG1 in July last year. The deployed task force primarily operated in the Baltic and the North Sea regions, contributing to Nato’s collective defence commitment.

The Dutch vessels deployed as part of the task force included Karel Doorman-class ships HNLMS Van Amstel (F831) and HNLMS Karel Doorman, an NH90 Nato Frigate Helicopter, HNLMS Rotterdam, De Zeven Provinciën-class frigates, De Zeven Provinciën (F802), along with the flagship HNLMS Tromp (F803).

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Morang said: “We have spread Nato’s message across Europe, from Lisbon in the south, to Bergen in the north, and Helsinki in the east.

“Every ship and every crew member have shown that they want to do everything to contribute to this. As Nato, we have shown that we can defend ourselves, if necessary, in these uncertain times.”

The new vessels in the SNMG1 include Germany’s Brandenburg-class frigate FGS Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Polish Navy’s ORP General T Kosziuszko and French Navy’s FREMM multipurpose frigate FS Aquitaine.