Six NATO ships are heading to Plymouth docks

Ship spotters can have a great day out in Plymouth to catch a glimpse of six NATO vessels in the city. The ships from the Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG1) are set to head to Devonport Naval Base as the week progresses.

During the last few months, SNMG1 has been operating in the Baltic Sea, North Sea and in the Atlantic, the ships have participated in exercises with NATO Allies.

The six ships of the group are Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provincien, Canadian frigate HCMS Halifax, German tanker FGS Spessart, HNLMS Karel Doorman which is a multi-function support ship for amphibious operations in the Royal Netherlands Navy, Portuguese frigate NRP Corte Real and German frigate FGS Mecklenburg.

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The Commander of the group, Commodore A. van de Sande, said: “SNMG1 is conducting a short notice port visit in Plymouth. As always, we are thankful for the support that Naval Base Devonport will provide us, so we can prepare for our upcoming operational schedule as a ready force.

“SNMG1 is continuously available for NATO tasks ranging from exercises to operational missions.”

Last week the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth was spotted near Plymouth Sound. The ship is the largest and most powerful vessel ever constructed for the Royal Navy.

It can carry up to 40 aircraft and was snapped by PlymouthLive’s Plymouth Argyle correspondent Chris Errington off the city’s breakwater. A spokeswoman for Devonport Naval Base said: “She’s undertaking some training. Plymouth Sound is our main training area so it’s perfectly normal.”

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