Finnish naval vessel joins NATO mine countermeasures group

The useful part

Navys MHC (Mine Hunter Coastal) Purunpää joined the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG1) started on September 14, said Finnish Navy in a press release on Tuesday. MHC Purunpää will operate under NATO command by the Transfer of Authority procedure and execute tasks assigned to SNMCMG1 by the Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM). During this time, the vessel will be conducting tasks mainly in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea.

How it works

• In the Baltic Sea, the tasks of SNMCMG1 include, in particular, maritime surveillance and presence related to NATOs Baltic Sentry activity.
• to the regular crew of the vessel, five contractual soldiers who have served earlier on Coastal Fleet vessels will participate in the deployment.

Details worth keeping

During the time period, SNMCMG1 will operate under a Lithuanian commander.