HMCS Charlottetown supports NATO operations in the Baltic Sea

Allied ships under Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1) move into formation during Operation Reassurance. Photos by Corporal J.W.S. Houck – Formation Imaging Services

Lt(N) Meghan Jacques, Public Affairs ~

In August 2017, HMCS Charlottetown deployed to the Baltic Sea on Operation Reassurance, joining the Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1).

The SNMG1 is a naval force made up of ships from NATO countries that are working together to reassure allies in the region of NATO’s ability to support stability and security in the region.

“As part of routine SNMG1 operations, HMCS Charlottetown conducts patrols to improve awareness, which is used to monitor patterns of maritime and air traffic in the area of operations,” said Commander Nathan Decicco, Commanding Officer of Charlottetown.

Part of the routine work of maintaining awareness is monitoring routine foreign naval and air activities.

In early September, during Russia’s preparations for ZAPAD 17, Charlottetown and the embarked CH-124 Sea King Helicopter observed routine Russian air and naval activity while sailing in the Baltic.

Charlottetown’s professional posture while observing Russian warships and aircraft was integral to maintaining situational awareness, maritime security, and stability in the Baltic region.

“HMCS Charlottetown also participates in regular training serials with SNMG1 consorts, improving overall interoperability and is integrated in larger coordinated national and NATO exercises including Exercise Northern Coast in the Baltic Sea and Exercise Brilliant Mariner in the Mediterranean Sea;” said Cdr Decicco.

Charlottetown excels at maintaining accurate real-time awareness while participating in concurrent advanced training serials. The concurrent tasks requires Charlottetown’s Operations Team to manage multiple simultaneous scenarios and maintain succinct and accurate tactical communications.