The force is designed to meet the demands of the post Cold War geopolitical situation by being available for immediate deployment in times of tension, crisis or conflict. Its employment comprises a mix of both sea and in-port time, providing maritime presence throughout the NATO area, or out of it, and demonstrating the solidarity and the cohesion of the Alliance while remaining prepared to carry out any contingency mission. Command of the force rotates among participating nations. The current commander is Cdr. Ioannis Grammatikatis, Hellenic Navy.
Various nations contribute to the force's multinational command staff on a yearly rotating basis.
The force normally consists of four to six MCMV's plus a command support ship. Belgium, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Turkey, UK, and the US are the nations contributing to the force on a permanent or a case by case basis. The force during the 1999 conducted operation Allied Harvest . On 8 April 2000, in response to a request for assistance from Italian authorities, the force resumed ordnance clearing operations in the Adriatic sea with Operation Allied Harvest II, which was concluded on 4 September 2000.