Danish Task Group (DATG), with the national name "Søværnets Taktiske Stab" (Naval Tactical Staff), was established 1. October and became operational 1. Januar 2001. The introduction of DATG was an integral part of a major operational restructuring of the Navy following the latest long term political agreement on the Danish Defence. DATG was established on a no-cost basis using the surplus from the amalgamation of the former 2. and 4. Squadron.

Prior to the formal introduction, the Navy conducted a two years trial of the concept through the so called DATG Pilot Project, using Commander 2. Squadron as an ad hoc COM DATG during selected national and international exercises. The experiences gained from this period constitutes a vital part of DATG operational foundation.

DATG peacetime complement consists of 8 officers and 1 civilian secretary. This core staff may be supplemented with personnel drawn from other parts of the Navy’s operational structure if a specific task so dictates. DATG may also – partly or as a whole – be integrated in a major joint operational staff, i.e. a Combined Joint Tak Force Staf.

COM DATG refers – similar to the Squadron Commanders - directly to Amiral Danish Fleet (ADMDANFLEET), but he may represent ADMDANFLEET when required, i.e. during exercise or operational conferences. COM DATG area of responsibility is regulated through ADMDANFLEET directives. Ships will be assigned to COM DATG on a case to case basis through ADMDANFLEET yearly Operational Schedule or by mission specific operational directives. In principle DATG can be composed of all units in the Navy inventory. If the situation so dictates, DATG can also be combined with units from other navies or be integrated in other task groups. The assigned national units will be provided from the Squadrons. The national command relationships can be summarised as:

Full Command: Will be retained by the Chief of Defence,
Operational Command (OPCOM): Will normally be retained by ADMDANFLEET.
Operational Control (OPCON): Will normally be retained by ADMDANFLEET but may be transferred to other national commands at NIV II or NATO commands.
Tactical Command (TACOM): Will normally be delegated to COM DATG who can relinquish TACTICAL CONTROL (TACON) of one or more ships for specific tasks.
Command relations related to submarines and units from other services will be determined on a case to case basis.

During crisis or war, COM DATG will act i.a.w. ADMDANFLEET operational instructions or specific orders.