Canada To Take Command Of NATO Maritime Group One

SNMG1 is one of four NATO Standing Naval Forces on continuous active duty

Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Halifax departed its namesake homeport of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on New Years Day for a six-month deployment as part of the Maritime Task Force of Operation REASSURANCE. During this deployment, Commodore Bradley Peats of the Canadian Armed Forces will command the Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1).

Commodore Peats will assume command of SNMG1 following a change of command ceremony to be held in Lisbon, Portugal on January 18, 2020. Additionally, HMCS Halifax will become the flagship for the SNMG1 command team and headquarters staff throughout its deployment. 

“I look forward to leading SNMG1 from the flagship HMCS Halifax, where we will work closely with NATO Allies and partner nations to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to regional and global security, stability and cooperation.

SNMG1 will provide NATO with a versatile and robust high readiness maritime force that can quickly and effectively respond across the full spectrum of operations in support of NATO assurance and deterrence measures.” —   Commodore Bradley Peats, Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group One Designate

SNMG1 is one of four NATO Standing Naval Forces on continuous active duty that contribute to the Alliance’s collective defence on a permanent basis. They provide a constant high-readiness maritime capability that can be rapidly deployed in response to various operational contingencies as required during peacetime as well as during times of crisis and conflict.

SNMG1 operates in Western and Northern European waters, including the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea and their maritime approaches. During this deployment, HMCS Halifax and the other multinational vessels that comprise SNMG1 will begin an intensive program of operational patrols and training exercises to enhance joint readiness and interoperability.

Since 2014, the Canadian Armed Forces have deployed a Halifax-class frigate with embarked helicopter air detachment on a persistent rotational basis under Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s contribution to NATO assurance and deterrence measures. HMCS Toronto was the last frigate to deploy in this capacity, in July 2020, and has since returned to Halifax on December 23, 2020.

More great reading