Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1

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Welcome to the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One official page. SNMCMG1 is one of four NATO teams operating in the international arena.

The first group was formed in the Belgian port of Ostend May 11, 1973 and went by the name of Standing Naval Force Channel being under control of so-called English Channel Force Commander. The purpose of the appointment of the Standing Group was primarily to ensure the safety of navigation and approaches to ports in the English Channel and the North-West Europe. In the event of a conflict with the Warsaw Pact countries the Group was to change the operating area for the North Sea over West Germany. Initially, the team belonged to mine ships from countries which also today make up the Group: Great Britain, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Two more countries (Norway and Denmark) joined the team in year 2000, when the team was reorganized. The operating area of the Group was significantly expanded, and the name changed into Mine Countermeasures Force Northern Europe. Defining new threats and thereby increasing the spectrum of tasks to their elimination, led the team to becoming a global-scale group, which could operate in almost every corner of the world. Changes in the nature of the Group and the subsequent change of name to NATO Response Force MCM Force Northern Europe were approved at the NATO summit in Prague in 2002. In the same year the group was joined by ships from the new members of NATO: Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. The team changed its name two times since. In January 2005 that was: Standing NRF Mine Countermeasures Group One, and exactly one year later: Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One, which is the name used nowadays. In view of the fact that the Group consists of ships of different flags, its command is rotating annualy. During exercises an international maritime staff operates as well. Since January 2023, the group has been led by Royal Norwegian Navy Officer CDR Ole Torstein Sjo.

28/10/2026

20/10/2026

SNMCMG1 conducted a series of multinational maritime training exercises focused on firefighting, damage control and search and rescue (SAR) operations.

The activities involved the 🇱🇹Lithuanian command and support ship N42 Jotvingis, the 🇩🇪German minehunter FGS Homburg, the 🇫🇮Finnish naval vessel Purunpää, 🇵🇱Polish minehunters ORP Albatros, ORP Kormoran, SAR helicopter and 🇵🇹Portuguese divers.

07/10/2026

Autumn paints the Norwegian coast in warm colours, while the grey silhouettes of SNMCMG1 ships stand out against the changing landscape.

Another departure, another day at sea for Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One.

Seasons change, coastlines change, but the mission continues. 🌊⚓

Different colours. Different ships. One mission.

03/10/2026

🇩🇪 Happy German Unity Day!

On 3 October, we celebrate the anniversary of German reunification, a historic moment that brought Germany together and symbolised the power of unity, freedom and peace.

Wishing our German friends and allies a happy German Unity Day!

02/10/2026

⚓ ONE GROUP. ONE MISSION. SAFER SEAS.

Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) carried out Historical Ordnance Disposal Operations (HODOPS) in Danish waters.

Working together, Allied teams put their skills and capabilities into action, addressing underwater explosive hazards and strengthening maritime safety.

Stronger together!

21/09/2026

⚓ Transfer at sea

Operating at sea means being ready to support each other without returning to port.

A cargo transfer underway helps SNMCMG1 sustain operations and maintain readiness while remaining at sea.

12/09/2026

Who says sailors can’t be photographers? 😉

The SNMCMG1 units put their cameras to work and took part in a friendly photography competition, capturing their favourite moments from life and operations at sea.

Different crews. Different perspectives. One Group — and plenty of great shots! ⚓📷

08/09/2026

On September 8, 2022, Canada marked the Accession of His Majesty King Charles III to the Throne.
Today, September 8, we mark another year since this historic occasion and extend our sincere congratulations to Canada. May this special day continue to reflect Canada’s proud traditions, history and enduring values. 🇨🇦

02/09/2026

⚓ NORTHERN VIKING 26 — EXERCISE COMPLETE

Exercise Northern Viking 26 has come to an end. SNMCMG1 successfully contributed to this multinational exercise, strengthening interoperability, readiness and our ability to operate together in demanding maritime environments.

Together, we train. Together, we are ready.

29/08/2026

At sea, every second counts.

During NORTHERN VIKING 26, SNMCMG1 personnel are conducting realistic emergency response drills, strengthening their ability to fight fires, control damage and provide immediate assistance to casualties.

Through realistic training, the Group builds the readiness and confidence needed to respond when it matters most.

Address

London
HA63HP

Website

http://www.mc.nato.int/missions/maritime-groups/standing-nato-maritime-mine-countermeasures-group-one.aspx

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