NATO flagship HNLMS Johan de Witt and the German frigate FGS Hamburg have been moored in Dublin in recent days. Both ships are part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1). This year, it is led by Commander Arjen Warnaar and his international staff.
Ireland has a long tradition of military neutrality and is not a member of NATO. Through NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, Ireland and NATO do work together on a regular basis. During the port visit, this cooperation was discussed. The relations between the NATO fleet association SNMG1 and the Irish navy were strengthened. This happened during talks with local (maritime) representatives and representatives of the Irish Defence.
Prior to the visit, the NATO fleet carried out a so-called ‘passage exercise’ with the Irish naval ship LÉ William Butler Yeats. The ships trained navigation and communication. With this and with the discussion of topics such as freedom of navigation, cooperation between NATO and Ireland was further promoted. The ships said goodbye with a traditional sail past.
SNMG1 is a group of ships of NATO countries. The fleet is there for deterrence and the monitoring and maintenance of safety in maritime areas. This is done, among other things, through patrols and by participating in operations. The composition of SNMG1 differs. The Netherlands is in charge for a year and provides several naval ships and staff members to support Commander Warnaar.