This week, Standing NATO Maritime Group ONE (SNMG1), presently engaged in NATO’s counter-terrorism Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOUR, will be gaining three frigates in support of NATO maritime assurance measures.
The first of the three, USS TAYLOR, joined SNMG1 yesterday. Over the next few days, SNMG1 flagship HNoMS THOR HEYERDAHL, FGS MAGDEBURG, and USS TAYLOR will be joined by the Turkish frigate TCG GEMLIK and the Canadian frigate HMCS REGINA.
The five frigates, under the command of Commodore Nils Andreas Stensønes, will receive additional direct or associated support from a number of vessels, including submarines, surface units and aircraft provided by the Allied nations.
Due to the ongoing crisis in the Ukraine, SNMG1 was ordered to deploy to the Mediterranean as a part of the maritime portion of actions taken by the North Atlantic Council and SACEUR Gen. Phillip Breedlove in an effort to assure Allies, enhance maritime security, and demonstrate NATO’s solidarity and readiness.
“The addition of three frigates to SNMG1 not only provides the counter-terrorism task force with considerable additional capability,” said Vice Admiral Christian Canova, NATO Allied Maritime Command Deputy Commander, “but also demonstrates the commitment of these three navies to maritime security and the shared responsibility of collective defense.”
[mappress] Press Release, May 13, 2014; Image: Canadian Navy