NATO ships to demonstrate ironclad alliance during first port visit in Stockholm since Swedish accession

Following on Sweden’s historic accession as NATO’s 32nd Ally March 7, ships assigned to Standing NATO Maritime Group One (SNMG1), to include flagship ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbon (F102), will conduct a port visit to Stockholm beginning March 19.

Sweden was one of NATO's closest partners, sharing the same values and facing many of the same challenges as NATO Allies. Swedish forces have trained together with NATO for almost 30 years and continue to share information. Sweden's membership in NATO boosts transatlantic security, enhances NATO’s ability to reinforce our Baltic Allies, and significantly enhances the defensive posture in the High North.

SNMG1 is commanded by Rear Admiral Joaquin Ruiz Escagedo and includes flagship ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbon (F102), FGS Bonn (A1413), ITS Luigi Rizzo (F595), FS Aquitane (D650), HNoMS Otto Sverdrup (F312) and FS Normandie (D651). Aquitane will remain at sea to conduct Maritime Exercise Spring 24 led by the Swedish Navy, while the remainder of the group will be present in Stockholm. Swedish navy will be represented by Deputy Chief of the Royal Swedish navy, Brigadier General Patrik Gardesten.

Members of the media are cordially invited to visit the flagship 20 March at 9:30 a.m. During the event, press members will have an opportunity to talk with ship leadership and afterwards will take a brief tour of the warship.

Members of the media who want to attend the press meeting are instructed to register with their name and what media they represent, to hanna.wangemar@mil.se no later than Tuesday March 19, 1.00 p.m. Media will have to be in Frihamnen no later than 09.00 a.m the day for the press meeting, where they will be met by Public Affairs Officers.

Questions about the visit can be adressed to Swedish Naval Staff Communications department:

Jimmie Adamsson, jimmie.adamsson@mil.se, 070-682 90 09

Hanna Wängemar, hanna.wangemar@mil.se, 070-849 03 25