On August 19, 2026, in Reykjavik, Iceland, aboard the Canadian frigate HMSC Ville de Quebec, the Change of Command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) took place.
During this ceremony, presided over by Vice-Admiral Poitou, Commodore Maryla Ingham of the Royal Navy transferred command of the force to a French staff under the authority of Rear Admiral Nicolas Molitor.
This staff, made up of French sailors, was reinforced by Portuguese, Polish, Spanish, British and German officers seconded to the team. This demonstrates the collective commitment of Allied nations to maritime security in the North Atlantic.
Rear Admiral Molitor will command this combined maritime force until December 2026. The staff and buildings that make up this Standing Force of NATO will participate in exercises and operations in the North Atlantic and the Baltic.
In addition to the almost permanent deployment of French Navy ships in the North Atlantic, particularly in the context of strengthening NATO’s deterrent and defensive posture, this human and operational contribution attests to the credibility of the French Navy’s capabilities to meet the challenges of these theaters.