Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) has commenced participation in Fleet Exercise (FLEETEX) 250, a United States-led multinational maritime exercise conducted off the U.S. East Coast from 22–29 June 2026.
FLEETEX 250 brings together approximately 20 Allied and Partner nations, contributing ships, submarines, aircraft, and maritime forces to enhance interoperability, readiness, and collective maritime security. SNMG1’s participation demonstrates NATO’s ability to integrate seamlessly with U.S., Allied, and Partner forces in a complex, multi-domain environment.
SNMG1 is currently composed of Belgian frigate Leopold I (F930), the French frigate La Fayette (F710), German frigate Sachsen (F 219) as flagship, Dutch combat support ship Den Helder (A834) and frigate Van Amstel (F 831), Norwegian frigate Fridtjof Nansen (F310), and Turkish frigate TCG Oruçreis (F 245).
The exercise includes coordinated at-sea manoeuvres, communications drills, and information-sharing protocols designed to strengthen cohesion and ensure forces are prepared to operate together effectively across the Atlantic and Arctic regions.
FLEETEX 250 forms part of the U.S. Navy’s 250th anniversary celebrations, highlighting the importance of maritime cooperation and the enduring strength of Allied and Partner relationships.
“I am delighted to be in Command of Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) as we participate in FLEETEX 250, here in the United States,” said Commander SNMG1, Royal Navy Commodore Maryla Ingham. “The task group has operated in the Baltic, High North and the Eastern Seaboard of the USA in the last two months, demonstrating both the endurance and agility of NATO’s maritime forces. Operating in such a dynamic environment highlights the versatility of SNMG1 and our ability to integrate seamlessly with Allied and Partner nations. Through exercises like FLEETEX 250, we continue to strengthen interoperability, develop mutual trust and maintain a credible and persistent maritime presence in support of our shared security.”
SNMG1 is one of four standing NATO maritime groups providing continuous maritime presence and readiness in peacetime, crisis and conflict. Exercises like this contribute to Allied assurance measures, enhance interoperability and demonstrate NATO’s ability to operate across the entire North Atlantic, the Baltic Sea and the Arctic approaches.
