BRUSSELS - NATO naval vessels patrolling the North Sea and the Baltic Sea are now under the command of a Dutch officer, effective Thursday. Commodore Arjen Warnaar, a seasoned leader in the Royal Netherlands Navy, assumed control of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) from the Norwegian naval base, steering operations from the Dutch frigate Zr. Ms. Tromp, which serves as the fleet’s flagship. 

Warnaar succeeded his Danish predecessor in a formal handover ceremony and is set to hold the post for one year, double the typical term of previous commanders. This extended duration reflects NATO’s commitment to strengthening the leadership continuity of its maritime forces amid heightened regional tensions. 

The SNMG1, a key NATO task force, functions as a "policeman at sea," according to Warnaar’s earlier statements. Its mandate includes safeguarding critical infrastructure, such as undersea cables, from potential acts of sabotage. "Our mission is to ensure that the seas remain secure for all member nations," Warnaar emphasized during his address at the command transition. 

The Zr. Ms. Tromp is supported by a diverse coalition of NATO vessels, emphasizing international collaboration. As the flagship, it is equipped with advanced systems for maritime surveillance and defense.