Charles F Adams (DDG 2) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 10 text:

Q. ki Y:-5 J QQ .v..i,.-.... ,rv-43' iid:-P' ' l'I The Standlng Naval Force IS tasked wlth achlevmg four baSlC 0bj6Ct1VES Flrst, It IS to malntaln naval effectlveness w1th1n the Atlantlc Allxance at a hlgh level by provldlng squadron experlence and tra1n1ng on a contlnuous baS1S The force partxclpates 1n numerous NATO exercises and natlonal t3Ct1C3l operatlons 1n European and North Amerlcan waters throughout the year Stressed durmg these GXEFCISCS are antlsub- marlne warfare antl a1r defense practlces and convoy dutles nqr 4 uJ,....z 5 I Standlng Naval Force flagbearers ln Norfolk, V1rg1n1a, April 1972 U 'L35i?1 5'I'?a'i:f 'L : 'A 24 L ' :R?ff:' f 4 -1.-:..-, f1,:c.i-:.p...'T-,:-1xna- ary.-'::,--m4i:f vig ,,

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' ' m --+--f' Uf'- v------- The exercises which involve the entire Allied Command Atlantic afford the NATO navies opportunities to work together, enhance readiness, develop common tactics and to test equipment. Numerous command post exercises are also held to enable various NATO staffs and member nations to work together and develop common procedures. Although the only NATO maritime force assigned to the Allied Command Atlantic is the Standing Naval Force Atlantic QSTANAVFORLANTJ, history's first permanent international naval squadron, member countries have additional maritime forces earmarked for assignment in time of need. Standing Naval Force Atlantic The Standing Naval Force Atlantic KSTANAVFORLANTJ is the world's first permanent multi-national naval squadron to operate together in peacetime. This force operates as one unit, bound by the common purpose of serving as NATO's maritime spearhead in preserving the free access to North Atlantic waters. STANAVFORLANT is composed of between four and nine destroyer or frigate type ships, operating as one unit on a continuous basis. Ships of various nationalities will normally remain with the squadron for a period up to six months. They are then relieved by a unit of the same nationality or a vessel from another NATO naval member. Commanding the squadron is a commodore who is selected annually from one of the countries contributing ships to the force. The commodore is aided by a staff of officers who are also provided by participating countries. Overall command of STANAVFORLANT is exercised by the Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic, from Nor- folk, Virginia. The Commander in Chief, Eastern Atlantic Area, .with headquarters at Northwood, England, controls the force when operating in European waters.

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Standing Naval Force Atlantic During a typical operation, the squadron may find itself pitted against the combined strength of 'enemy' submarines, naval aircraft, and swift torpedo boats, all at the same time. The squadron also serves to demonstrate the solidarity and unity of the NATO nations by showing the flags of various member nations in a single, multi-national force. During any given year, the NATO naval squadron may visit some 30 ports in 10 countries where open house days and various people-to- people programs provide citizens with the opportunity to judge for themselves the feasibility of a multi- national unit to operate in harmony. ,, fL4T'k '? 7 A' 1