Spain has handed over command of NATO's Standing Naval Group 1 (SNMG-1) to the United Kingdom

The ceremony took place on April 10 at the Portsmouth Naval Base aboard the German frigate FGS Sachen

Friday, April 10, 2026

The ceremony, presided over by the Commander of MARCOM, Vice Admiral Robert Pedre, was attended by British and German military authorities, as well as the Spanish Defense Attaché in London, reflecting the allied and joint nature of the mission. Admiral Joaquín Ruiz Escagedo transferred command of SNMG-1 to British Commodore Maryla Ingham.​

During the event, the excellent work of the Spanish command was highlighted, having carried out various NATO exercises and missions in the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean. The benefits to the Alliance in terms of interoperability and maritime security were also mentioned, and NATO's commitment to stability in these strategic waters was emphasized. Spain contributed two Navy ships to the SNMG-1 command: the frigate Almirante Juan de Borbón (flagship) and the BAC Patiño.



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