Canada transfers command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One

News release

January 7, 2022 – Ottawa, Canada; Amsterdam, Netherlands – National Defence/Canadian Armed Forces

Commodore Bradley Peats of the Royal Canadian Navy, transferred command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) to Commodore Ad van de Sande of the Royal Netherlands Navy, during a virtual ceremony between Ottawa, Canada, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, today.

After assuming command during a ceremony on January 18, 2021, Commodore Peats commanded SNMG1 over the past twelve months.

This deployment represents Canada’s contribution to regional maritime security in support of NATO assurance measures in the Baltic Sea, North Sea, Norwegian Sea, and their maritime approaches. It is part of Operation REASSURANCE, under which Canada contributes to NATO collective defence and demonstrates solidarity with its Allies.  

Quotes

“It has been an honour to command SNMG1 for the past year. I wish to credit all my shipmates aboard HMCS Halifax and HMCS Fredericton for the successes of the past twelve months. Additionally, I thank our Allied sailors from the other navies who sailed with SNMG1 during my tenure as Commander. 2021 held many challenges and I am proud to have contributed to the ongoing accomplishments of the operation. Best wishes to my successor Commodore van de Sande in his command of this vital naval force.”

Commodore Bradley Peats, Commander Standing NATO Maritime Group One

“I congratulate Commodore Peats on his successful command of SNMG1. NATO remains one of our most enduring and critical multinational alliances, and assurance and deterrence measures such as SNMG1 are tangible demonstrations of NATO solidarity in action. I am proud of the strong leadership Commodore Peats has demonstrated over the past 12 months, and the work he and his crew have accomplished in advancing maritime security in European waters.” 

- The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence

“The Canadian Armed Forces’ naval contributions to NATO and operations around the globe in 2021 have been incredibly active and highly impactful – we have interdicted record-levels of illicit drugs, sailed on exercises and operations alongside allied navies worldwide, and enforced sovereignty in Canada’s Arctic. As we enter a new year of ongoing challenges, we remain at the ready to fulfill our important roles overseas and at home. Bravo Zulu Commodore Peats for your leadership of SNMG1, and welcome home!”

Vice-Admiral Bob Auchterlonie, Commander Canadian Joint Operations Command

Quick facts

  • Standing NATO Maritime Group One is a multinational deterrent force that carries out a robust programme of operational deployments as well as complex training exercises and events with national navies to build and maintain the highest levels of readiness, interoperability and war fighting capabilities.

  • NATO Standing Naval Forces presence and activities promote and preserve unfettered access to the global ocean commons and help maintain freedom of the seas and freedom of navigation throughout all international waters which is central to the Alliance’s security and economic prosperity.

  • HMCS Fredericton deployed with SNMG1 from July to December 2021; she replaced HMCS Halifax as the SNMG1 flagship for 2021’s second semester of the Canadian-led Command of SNMG1 under Commodore Peats.

  • Standing NATO Maritime Group One’s command ship responsibility will be assumed by His Netherlands Majesty’s Ship (HNLMS) Rotterdam 

  • Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal is currently preparing to deploy with Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 as part of Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s contribution to NATO regional assurance and deterrence measures. HMCS Montréal will depart its homeport of Halifax, Nova Scotia on January 19, 2022 

  • Standing NATO Maritime Group Two is one of four high-readiness standing maritime forces that provide NATO with a constant presence, monitoring the sea lanes and approaches, and providing a capability to respond to contingencies. These groups routinely conduct operational missions, train with Allies and Partners to enhance interoperability, and conduct diplomatic visits. They serve as a consistently ready maritime force to support the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force. 

  • Since 2014, the Canadian Armed Forces have deployed Royal Canadian Navy frigates on a persistent rotational basis to be employed for exercises and operational tasks in the NATO Maritime Command's areas of responsibility.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone:  613-904-3333
Email:  mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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