HNLMS Schiedam departed the naval base in Den Helder on 26 January to take part in Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1). This NATO task group works to clear sea areas of naval mines, aerial bombs and other explosive ordnance, while also protecting subsea infrastructure.
The ammunition dates back to the First and Second World Wars and still poses a threat to merchant shipping, fisheries and the environment. By neutralising these explosives, the Schiedam contributes to safe and free navigation.
Also read: VIDEO: How NATO protects critical undersea infrastructure
Protection against sabotage
In addition to clearing munitions, SNMCMG1 also participates in Baltic Sentry. This NATO operation protects pipelines and subsea cables in the Baltic Sea against sabotage. The task group also conducts training at sea to maintain readiness and operational capability.
The operation takes place in the North Sea, Baltic Sea and the Atlantic Ocean west of Europe. The NATO task group also includes German and Polish vessels, with Belgium joining from March. Poland commands the group from the naval ship ORP Czernicki. HNLMS Schiedam will return home in early May.
Also read: Navies team up for port protection exercise
Rapidly deployable
SNMCMG1 is one of NATO’s two permanent mine countermeasures groups and ranks among the Alliance’s most rapidly deployable maritime units. The Royal Netherlands Navy frequently contributes mine countermeasure vessels, ensuring crews remain ready for military operations.
Picture: HNLMS Schiedam leaving Den Helder to join the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (photo by Dutch Ministry of Defence).
Also read: Three Dutch naval vessels in NATO mission Baltic Sentry
