ORP Necko to Join NATO Mine Countermeasures Group for Six-Month Baltic Deployment

The deployment follows a formal decision issued by the President of the Republic of Poland on June 16, 2025, authorizing the establishment of the Polish Military Contingent “Noteć 2025”. Comprising sailors from the 12th Minesweeper Squadron (8th Coastal Defence Flotilla), the contingent will contribute to NATO’s mine countermeasure operations, enhance maritime security in the region, and support the protection of critical underwater infrastructure.

Commander of ORP Necko and PKW Noteć 2025, Lieutenant Commander Paweł Chomiuk, stated during the deployment ceremony:

- We are fully prepared to accomplish all assigned missions and are motivated to contribute to maritime security and represent the Polish flag with pride under NATO command.

The operational handover protocol for the contingent was signed between the General Command of the Polish Armed Forces and the Operational Command by Rear Admiral Mirosław Jurkowlaniec (Chief of the Naval Directorate, Naval Inspectorate) and Rear Admiral Wojciech Sowa (Deputy Commander, Maritime Operations Centre – Maritime Component Command).

Strategic Role of SNMCMG1

SNMCMG1 is one of NATO’s four standing maritime groups, and one of two specializing in mine countermeasures. The group operates with a dedicated command ship and a rotating multinational composition of minehunters and auxiliary support vessels. Its mission includes locating, identifying, and neutralizing underwater threats, ensuring freedom of navigation, and supporting NATO’s crisis response, anti-terrorism, and life-saving operations.

Operating primarily in northern European waters – including the North Sea and Baltic Sea – the group plays a critical role in NATO’s defensive posture and deterrence strategy, often referred to as the “Mine Barrier Shield of Europe.”

The Polish Navy’s long-standing commitment to NATO mine countermeasure operations includes numerous deployments since 2002. In particular, the ORP Kontradmirał X. Czernicki served as the flagship of SNMCMG1 four times and led SNMCMG2 operations in the Mediterranean and Black Sea in 2017. This will be the second-ever deployment of a 207P-class minesweeper, following the participation of ORP Drużno and ORP Hańcza in 2023 under PKW Czernicki.

– This mission reflects trust in the capabilities of my crew. Representing Poland within NATO structures is both an honor and a responsibility – one we are ready to fulfill, added Lt. Cdr. Chomiuk.

Polish Contribution to NATO Maritime Security

The PKW Noteć 2025 mission further underscores Poland’s role in collective defense at sea. Polish officers not only serve in command and staff positions within NATO’s maritime groups but also contribute warships from the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla on a regular basis. Interoperability, situational readiness, and multinational coordination are key outcomes of these deployments, which include participation in joint exercises and coordinated patrols with NATO and partner navies.

With ORP Necko on station through December 31, 2025, the Polish Navy reinforces its strategic presence and operational readiness in the Baltic theatre – a region of growing geopolitical importance and evolving underwater threat vectors.