Ships from NATO maritime groups are sailing into the Baltic Sea and will participate in exercises with bordering Allied and partner nations.

For the first time, the U.S. assumed command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) during a change of command ceremony held onboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and via video teleconference on June 19, 2021.

In a ceremony held remotely by video teleconference on 14 January, 2021, Commander Audrius Venckunas (Lithuanian Navy) handed over the command of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) to Commander Jan Wijchers (Royal Netherlands Navy).