Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1

Following their departure from Hanko, conducted a PASSEX with FNS Vahterpää 🇫🇮.

PASSEX is a short naval exercise conducted between units operating in the same area. During this PASSEX, SNMCMG1 exercised with FNS Vahterpää, a vessel operating independently from the Group. The training focused on enhancing interoperability ensuring Allied forces remain ready to operate together effectively whenever required. ⚓

The exercise also marks another step in the group's preparations for its next major mission — participation in 26, one of the largest maritime exercises in the region. 🌊💪

NATO NATO Maritime Command

Training through challenge — sailors of honored Veterans Day by taking part in the Norwegian Foot March 🏃.

On 29 May, Poland celebrates Veterans Day. To mark this important occasion, sailors of SNMCMG1 — currently commanded by the Polish flagship ORP Czernicki — organized and participated in the Norwegian Foot March, a demanding 30-kilometer march carrying backpacks weighing at least 11 kilograms, completed within a strict time limit of 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The best result among all participants was achieved by a sailor from ORP Czernicki, who completed the march in an impressive time of 3 hours, 23 minutes, and 23 seconds 🔥.

The event brought together sailors from Poland 🇵🇱, Estonia 🇪🇪, Germany 🇩🇪, and Norway 🇳🇴, jointly paying tribute to veterans and honoring their service.

NATO Maritime Command NATO

Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One continues to enhance maritime security in the Baltic Sea 🌊.

ENS Ugandi successfully conducted a countermining operation, neutralizing a mine resting on the seabed using the Seafox 🦊 mine disposal system.
Despite the passage of decades, many mines and unexploded ordnance from World War I and World War II still remain hidden on the seabed of the .
By removing dangerous historical remains, help keep the Baltic Sea safe for all maritime activities, contributing to security and stability across the region 💪.

NATO Maritime Command NATO

Crew of ORP Czernicki from paid tribute to the sailors of by laying flowers at the memorial plaque in the Estonian Navy base and in Tallinn’s Old Town. The ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to , Artur Orzechowski, and the Defence Attaché, Colonel Roman Piediuk.

It was here, in September 1939, that ORP Orzeł was interned by the Estonian authorities, before her crew carried out one of the most daring escapes in the history of the — leaving the port without maps despite the constant threat posed by the enemy.

23 May marks the anniversary of ORP Orzeł’s last departure to sea. In 1940, the submarine left the port of Rosyth and disappeared together with her entire crew of 60 sailors.

Honor to their memory.

On May 21s t, the crew of was visited by the Deputy Prime Minister and Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.

During the visit, a meeting was held focusing on security in the Baltic Sea region and the current international situation.
The discussions were attended by Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur, Commander of the Estonian Navy Commodore Ivo Värk, Commander of SNMCMG1 CDR Kacper Sterne, as well as commanders of the ships of the NATO group.

Following the meeting, Polish Minister of National Defence met with the crew of ORP Czernicki, thanking the sailors for their professionalism and commitment in carrying out operational tasks. The discussions also covered the course of the mission, daily service, and the conditions of conducting operational activities in the Baltic Sea.

The battlefield is constantly evolving, and one of the greatest challenges today are asymmetric threats — unpredictable and often carried out by surprise.

These threats affect not only land operations, but also the maritime domain, where they may take the form of irregular activities, sabotage, hybrid threats, or the use of emerging technologies. Their unpredictable nature requires the highest level of readiness and professionalism from military personnel.

Crews of continuously train to respond effectively to such threats, improving cooperation, procedures, and the ability to make rapid decisions in a dynamic operational environment.



NATO Maritime Command NATO

After finishing operation Open Spirit 2026, it was time for official visits. The Command of had the honor of paying courtesy calls to the Commander of the Lithuanian Navy, CPT Tadas JABLONSKIS, and the Mayor of .
Then, in the evening, SNMCMG1 had the pleasure of welcoming many distinguished guests to the Force Reception held on board including ambassadors and Defence Attachés.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our guests for their presence and for the warm hospitality shown throughout our stay in Klaipėda.



Maritime Command

Operation Open Spirit 2026 has officially come to an end.

For the crews of SNMCMG1, it was an invaluable opportunity to train side by side with our allies, strengthen cooperation, and build strong relationships both at sea and ashore. The experience and lessons gained during this operation will remain with us long after the mission is complete.

Together, united for the safety and security of the Baltic Sea. ⚓🌍



Maritime Command