Canada assumes command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One

Commodore Bradley Peats of the Royal Canadian Navy and Commodore José António Mirones of the Portuguese Navy sign change of command certificates during a Standing NATO Maritime Group One change of command ceremony held on board HMCS Halifax in Lisbon, Portugal, on Jan. 18. Photo by Sailor First Class Bryan Underwood, Imagery Technician

DND / CAF
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Commodore Bradley Peats officially assumed command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) during a change of command ceremony held in Lisbon, Portugal, Jan. 18.

Cmdre Peats assumed command from Commodore José António Mirones of the Portuguese Navy.

SNMG1 is one of four NATO Standing Naval Forces (SNF) that provide the Alliance with a continuous naval capability and presence that forms the core of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (Maritime). It is a multinational deterrent force that carries out a robust programme of operational deployments and complex training exercises and events with national navies to build and maintain the highest levels of readiness, interoperability, and war fighting capabilities.

NATO is a cornerstone of Canada’s international security policy. It is also one of our most important multilateral relationships. Canada’s membership in the Alliance enables meaningful cooperation with Allies and partners to strengthen transatlantic defence and security, preserve the rules-based international order, and lead or otherwise contribute to international peace, security and stability efforts abroad.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity and privilege of leading SNMG1 and look forward to building upon the successful deployment of Commodore Mirones, his flagship Corte-Real, and the outgoing SNMG1 staff,” said Cmdre Peats. “In an uncertain global environment, we are proud to contribute to NATO’s assurance and deterrence measures in Western and Northern European waters, including the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and their maritime approaches.”

HMCS Halifax is currently deployed with Standing NATO Maritime Group One as part of Operation Reassurance, Canada’s contribution to NATO regional assurance and deterrence measures. Halifax is now the flagship for the SNMG1 command team and headquarters staff throughout the remainder of its deployment.

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