Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1), led by Portuguese Navy Rear Admiral Alberto Correia, recently departed from three different ports in Scotland for the sea phase of the UK-led Exercise JOINT WARRIOR 15-2.
While the scenario of JOINT WARRIOR is fictitious, the importance of realistic and effective training demands that the scenario closely mirror present and possible future areas of naval operations. This exercise simulates conflict escalation between notional countries, triggering the UN Security Council to develop a resolution upon which NATO forces are to enforce peace.
SNMG1 is currently comprised of the Flagship NRP D. Francisco de Almeida, HMCS Winnipeg, ESPS Blas de Lezo, FNS La Motte Picquet and HNOMS Fridtjof Nansen. The Group will face a complex and challenging exercise, providing an excellent opportunity to increase interoperability between Allied forces and providing valuable experience integrating land, air, and maritime forces.
Image: MARCOM