News: Standing NATO Maritime Group One in Norway

OSLO, Norway – Standing NATO Maritime Group ONE (SNMG1), under the command of Spanish Rear Admiral Jose Delgado, ESP Navy, was in Oslo, Norway from March 11 to 14 for a scheduled port visit.

The group is currently deployed to the North and Baltic Seas to enhance maritime security and to contribute to international stability.

SNMG1’s visit to Oslo follows the group’s participation in Norwegian-led joint multinational exercise COLD RESPONSE 16 held in the Trøndelag counties in central Norway. The exercise took place from Feb. 29 to March 9 with approximately 15,000 military from 14 nations.

Rear Admiral Delgado commanded one of the maritime task groups in the exercise, comprised of the SNMG1 units and Allied nations vessels HDMS NIELS JUEL (F354), FS LIEUTENANT DE VAISSEAU LAVALLÉE (F790) and FS PRIMAUGUET (D644).

SNMG1 flagship, the Spanish F100 class frigate ESPS ALVARO de BAZAN (F101), the UK Type 23 Frigate HMS IRON DUKE (F234) and the Spanish Combat Replenishment Ship ESPS CANTABRIA (A15) were in port at Vippetangen and Revier quay in Oslo, Norway.

“This outstanding exercise provided a unique opportunity to enhance SNMG1 units’ interoperability, sustainability and cooperation within the framework of a multinational joint force structure,” said Rear Admiral Delgado. “Our participation in COLD RESPONSE 16 has proved SNMG1’s high intensity war-fighting skills and ability to operate under challenging conditions. Today, SNMG1 is better prepared to meet and deter any threat to Alliance populations and territory.”

Source: NATO

By

L. J. De Rothschild

Senior Editor

NATO Section