ORP Necko on NATO duty. Six-month deployment with SNMCMG1. Officer promotions on LVNS Virsaitis
Since July 2025, the Polish minehunter ORP Necko has been on a six-month deployment as part of the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1). Operating in the northern European waters, including the Baltic Sea, the vessel and its multinational crew are contributing to maritime security by detecting, identifying, and neutralizing underwater threats.
In brief
The Polish minesweeper ORP Necko has been on a six-month deployment since July 2025 with Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1, SNMCMG1, operating in northern European waters, including the Baltic Sea. The crew of ORP Necko conducts mine countermeasure operations, supports the protection of critical infrastructure and trains in gunnery and rescue procedures. During the Northern Coasts 25 exercise, SNMCMG1 ships gathered for a PHOTEX alongside the flagship LVNS Virsaitis, where a meeting of commanding officers was held along with the promotion of officers to the rank of Sub-Lieutenant.
During the deployment, ORP Necko’s crew has actively participated in mine countermeasure operations, international exercises, and live-fire drills, enhancing both their technical skills and interoperability with NATO allies.
As part of the Northern Coasts ’25 exercise, all SNMCMG1 units gathered for a PHOTEX (photography exercise) alongside the Latvian flagship LVNS Virsaitis (A53). Onboard Virsaitis, the commanding officers, including COM SNMCMG1 and COM BALTRON, met to discuss upcoming operations and reinforce allied coordination.
Operational highlights included live-fire training against aerial targets to sharpen defensive capabilities and crew readiness, as well as multinational medical exercises, in which a Canadian sailor was successfully transferred by helicopter to German medical personnel – demonstrating seamless cross-national support at sea.
In addition, several officers were promoted to Lieutenant Navy aboard LVNS Virsaitis, recognizing their professionalism, dedication, and service in international maritime operations.
The deployment of ORP Necko underscores Poland’s commitment to NATO maritime readiness and strengthens its visibility and role in allied security operations in strategically important waters of the Baltic Sea.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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