Netherlands Hands Over SNMG1 Command to Spain in Formal Ceremony
Den Helder, Netherlands — The Royal Netherlands Navy officially transferred command of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) to the Spanish Navy on January 15, 2026, concluding a year of leadership focused on maritime security and Alliance readiness.
The handover ceremony took place aboard the Dutch landing platform dock HNLMS Johan de Witt at Den Helder Naval Base. Commodore Arjen Warnaar of the Royal Netherlands Navy relinquished command to Rear Admiral Joaquín Ruiz Escagedo of the Spanish Navy, who takes the helm for the second time, having previously led SNMG1 in 2024.
Deputy Commander of Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM), French Navy Vice Admiral Ludovic Poitou, presided over the event.
During the Dutch command period in 2025, SNMG1 maintained a persistent maritime presence across the Atlantic Ocean, Baltic Sea, North Sea, and High North. The group contributed to NATO’s deterrence and defense posture through maritime security operations and participation in the Baltic Sentry initiative, which bolstered situational awareness and reassurance in the Baltic region.
SNMG1 also engaged in major multinational exercises, including BALTOPS, Joint Warrior, Dynamic Mongoose, and Formidable Shield. These activities enhanced interoperability, operational readiness, and integration among Allied forces.
Vice Admiral Poitou highlighted the group’s impact: “This year, SNMG1 played a key role in ensuring stability and maritime security across some of NATO’s most strategically important regions.”
Commodore Warnaar echoed this assessment: “We not only improved operational readiness but also reinforced NATO’s commitment to peace and stability at sea.”
Rear Admiral Ruiz Escagedo stated: “It is an honor to take command of SNMG1 for the second time. The cooperation between NATO Allies is critical for ensuring regional stability and maritime security.”
The Spanish Navy’s frigate ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbón will now serve as the group’s flagship, hosting the task force headquarters for the upcoming period.
SNMG1 is one of NATO’s four standing maritime task groups, delivering continuous multinational naval presence capable of rapid response in peacetime, crisis, or conflict. It operates under Allied Maritime Command to support Allied assurance, interoperability, and security in the North Atlantic, Baltic Sea, and Arctic approaches.
This rotational command structure underscores NATO’s burden-sharing among member nations and sustains high readiness in strategically vital maritime domains.
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