HNLMS Van Amstel will be patrolling for NATO in the coming weeks. This task contributes to the alliance’s visibility and readiness at sea. The multipurpose frigate relieved HNLMS Johan de Witt today as flagship of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1). This took place in Stockholm, Sweden. This fleet operates in the Baltic Sea and around Western Europe.
The Van Amstel is the last of four naval vessels that serves as the flagship of SNMG1. It houses an international NATO staff that directs the fleet. This has been the case for almost a year under the leadership of the Dutch Commander Arjen Warnaar.
SNMG1 is one of four permanent NATO naval units, continuously available to respond when needed. Besides the Van Amstel, the naval unit consists of the FGS Hamburg from Germany and the FS Enseigne de vaisseau Jacoubet from France.
This week, the fleet is taking part in an anti-submarine warfare exercise