Canada is a long standing member of NATO
Commodore Bradley Peats of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) officially assumed command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) during a change of command ceremony held in Lisbon, Portugal today. Commodore Peats assumed command from Commodore José António Mirones of the Portuguese Navy.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity and privilege of leading SNMG1 and look forward to building upon the successful deployment of Commodore Mirones, his flagship Corte-Real, and the outgoing SNMG1 staff. In an uncertain global environment, we are proud to contribute to NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures in Western and Northern European waters, including the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and their maritime approaches.” Commodore Bradley Peats, Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group One
SNMG1 is one of four NATO Standing Naval Forces (SNF) that provide the Alliance with a continuous naval capability and presence which forms the core of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (Maritime). NATO is a cornerstone of Canada’s international security policy. It is also one of our most important multilateral relationships.
Canada’s membership in the Alliance enables meaningful cooperation with Allies and partners to strengthen transatlantic defence and security, preserve the rules-based international order, and lead or otherwise contribute to international peace, security and stability efforts abroad.
Standing NATO Maritime Group One is a multinational deterrent force that carries out a robust program of operational deployments as well as complex training exercises and events with national navies to build and maintain the highest levels of readiness, interoperability and war fighting capabilities.
Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax is currently deployed with Standing NATO Maritime Group One as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s contribution to NATO regional assurance and deterrence measures.
HMCS Halifax departed its namesake homeport of Halifax, Nova Scotia on January 1, 2021, and replaced HMCS Toronto, which deployed with SNMG1 from July to December 2020. HMCS Halifax is now the flagship for the SNMG1 command team and headquarters staff throughout the remainder of its deployment.
Since 2014, the Canadian Armed Forces have deployed Royal Canadian Navy frigates on a persistent rotational basis to be employed for exercises and operational tasks in the NATO Maritime Command’s areas of responsibility.
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