About NATO

NATO has played a pivotal role in ending the adversarial relationship between East and West and has responded to changes since the end of the Cold War. NATO aims to further adapt the Alliance's political and military structures and develop the concept of Combined Joint Task Forces (CJTFs), whilst reaffirming that the Alliance remains open to the membership of other European countries. Through Partnership for Peace (PfP), inviting Partners to join in new political and military efforts to work alongside the Alliance have been very successful, culminating in the increase in member states since the end of the cold war. NATO remains committed to intensifying efforts against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery and reaffirming the commitment to the transatlantic link between Europe, the United States and Canada.

Within this framework the Royal Navy regularly contributes to NATO operations like Operation Allied Force over Kosovo, providing the UK's only all weather strategic bombing capability through TLAM and Air Defence Fighters from HMS Invincible to protect other strike aircraft. In addition to such operational roles, the Royal Navy maintains an ongoing commitment to four standing NATO forces, the Standing Naval Force Atlantic and Standing Naval Force Mediterranean and the Mine Countermeasure Forces (North and South) and takes part in many varied exercises every year.

The NATO Mine Countermeasure Force (North)

Mine Countermeasures Force Northern Europe is a permanently established multinational naval squadron that normally consists of seven mine countermeasures vessels (including a dedicated command ship). The Force conducts an intensive and varied annual programme of operations throughout the waters of Europe from the North of Norway to the Mediterranean and from the Irish Sea to the Eastern Baltic Sea. Since 1998 MCMFN has also been operating in coastal waters of the United States, Canada and Iceland.

Since its inception the Squadron has demonstrated its capability to undertake its primary role as one of NATO's Mine Countermeasures Immediate Reaction Force. The multi-national force of Minehunters and Minesweepers that make up MCMFORNORTH is widely regarded as the best trained, best equipped mine countermeasures unit in the world. By the very nature of the job the ships and men -around 30 officers and 200 ratings- is an immediate reaction force, always ready to carry out any mission.

The NATO Mine Countermeasure Force (South)

NATO activated on May 27, 1999 MCMFOR(S) is an operational mine countermeasures capability permanently available in the Mediterranean and poised for action in peacetime, crisis or conflict. This important force normally comprises eight mine hunters/sweepers and a support ship from Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.

The MCMFOR(S), as all of NATO's naval immediate reaction forces, operates as an integral unit whether participating in exercises or conducting real world operational missions. It is employed primarily in the Allied Forces South area of responsibility but, as required, is be available outside of the Mediterranean.