The Norfolk based Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gravely (DDG 107) became the flagship for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1 during a ceremony in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jan. 14.

Rear Adm. Edward Cashman assumed command of SNMG-1 from Royal Danish Navy Commodore Anders Friis and will command the group from the new flagship, Gravely.

"My staff and I are honored to become part of Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 as we begin the 70th anniversary year of the alliance,” said Cashman. "I understand how important our mission is and what a critical time in history we are living in. The North Atlantic is a bridge that connects the allies, not a barrier that separates them. That connectivity is even stronger today and more important than ever to our security and to our prosperity."

Cashman assumed command of SNMG-1 after serving as special assistant to commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.

Prior to Gravely becoming the flagship, SNMG-1 had been under Danish command since January 2018, with HDMS Niels Juel followed by HDMS Esbern Snare serving as flagship.

Gravely was previously in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in May 2018 to participate in exercise Joint Warrior 18-1, an 11-day, semi-annual training exercise conducted in the coastal waters of the United Kingdom.

SNMG-1 is one of four standing maritime forces composed of ships from allied countries. These vessels provide a continuous maritime capability for NATO to accomplish different tasks ranging from partnership building and enhancing NATO relationships to being able to complete high intensity warfare. The Standing Naval Forces are visible demonstrations of alliance capability.