HNLMS Tromp leaves Den Helder on Saturday, 4 January as the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1). This is one of four NATO fleets available 24/7 for NATO missions. What is special is that a Dutch commander is in command of the maritime group throughout 2025.
Commander Arjen Warnaar will take over the command of SNMG1 from Danish Commodore Thomas Stig Rasmussen from 9 January. This will take place at the Haakonsvern naval base in Norway.
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Standing NATO Maritime Group 1
SNMG1 is a group of ships from NATO countries working together to monitor maritime security. The fleet is there for deterrence and maintaining security in maritime areas. This is done through patrols and participation in operations, among other things. SNMG1 operates mainly in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
The composition of the fleet partnership varies. The Netherlands provides several naval vessels and staff members supporting Commander Warnaar. The ships are part of the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force.
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Air defence and command frigate
HNLMS Tromp is one of four air defence and command frigates of De Zeven Provinciën class. These ships can protect an entire fleet against enemy threats such as aircraft and missiles. Also on board HNLMS Tromp is an NH90 maritime combat helicopter of the Defence Helicopter Command.
Picture: HNLMS Tromp during anti-piracy mission Ocean Shield off the coast of Somalia, 2011 (photo by the Dutch Ministry of Defence).
Also read: VIDEO: Combat Support Ship in Den Helder for first time
