SNMG1 ships call on Klaipeda, Lithuania

Ships from Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) arrived in Klaipeda, Lithuania on Friday for a scheduled port visit as part of the group’s deployment to the Baltic Sea.

These past weeks, SNMG1 has trained together with the Estonian Navy, the Latvian Navy, and the Swedish Navy and Air Force. On Wednesday, SNMG1 accompanied the commercial vessel MV Hartland Point which transported Norwegian military equipment to Klaipeda, as part of NATO`s enhanced forward presence.

During the port visit, SNMG1 command team will meet with civilian and military authorities in Klaipeda. The port visit is also a great opportunity for the sailors to enjoy a break from operations.

“We are currently operating in the Baltic Sea, providing maritime situational awareness to the alliance,” said Commander SNMG1, Commodore Ole Morten Sandquist. “Patrolling the Baltic Sea provides great opportunities to operate with allies and partners, to enhance interoperability and share best practice.”

“We have benefitted from training with close Allies as well as key partners in the Baltic region, and will continue to do so in the period to come. Close cooperation with local navies strengthens our collective defence by enhancing Alliance capability,” said Sandquist.

SNMG1 is currently composed of the NATO group flagship, Norwegian frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen, and the Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen.

HNoMS Roald Amundsen and HNLMS Evertsen will be open and welcome visitors aboard Sunday 28 May from 13.00 to 16.00. The ships will be in port in Klaipeda Harbor, pier number 80.