NATO’s SNMG1 readies for exercise Dynamic Guard

Ships from NATO’s Standing Maritime Group ONE (SNMG1) are on a scheduled port visit in Bergen where thy are finalizing planning for Allied Maritime Command led exercise Dynamic Guard 19-1.

Hosted by Norway, Dynamic Guard is a multi-national exercise, merged with Norwegian led exercise TG 19-1 and aimed at maintaining proficiency in maritime electronic warfare and anti-ship missile defense.

“Exercises play a key role in building and maintaining the readiness of Allied forces and ensuring interoperability of NATO’s maritime forces,” said SNMG1 commander US Rear Adm. Edward Cashman. “This visit to Bergen will enable SNMG1 units to coordinate with Norwegian Navy exercise leads and the other participating units to ensure a safe and effective exercise. We will work to maximize the training benefit of the Dynamic Guard exercise for all of the participating forces.”

In addition to SNMG1, naval ships and submarines from France, Spain, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands and Germany will participate.

SNMG1 is composed of the US flagship guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG107), the German Navy replenishment tanker FGS Spessart (A1442), and the Polish guided-missile frigate ORP General Kazmierz Pulaski (FrR 272).

An exact date for the start of the exercise was not announced but the maneuver usually starts early February.

Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) is one of four standing maritime task groups composed of ships from various Allied countries. These task groups form the core maritime capability of NATO’s Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF). They provide a continuous maritime capability to execute NATO missions across the spectrum of operations, demonstrate solidarity, and strengthen diplomatic and professional links among Allied naval forces.