Anti-submarine warfare exercise ‘Dynamic Mongoose’ starts off Norwegian coast
NATO started its biggest anti-submarine warfare exercises this year in the North Sea on Monday (4 May 2015), for drills focused on detecting and defending against submarines.
More than a dozen surface vessels and four submarines are participating in the annual "Dynamic Mongoose" exercise. Ten Allies are joined this year for the first time by NATO partner Sweden. The event, which is expected to last two weeks, will allow ships under NATO command to conduct a variety of anti-submarine warfare operations.
"It will allow us to exercise our anti-submarine warfare capabilities in a complex and challenging environment," said Rear Admiral Brad Williamson, Commander of Standing NATO Maritime Group 2.
The submarines will take turns trying to approach and target the ships undetected, simulating an attack.
"The presence of NATO in Norwegian waters will enhance interoperability and will allow NATO to familiarize with Norwegian waters," said Commodore Ole Morten Sandquist, Commander of the Norwegian fleet.
Submarines from Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United States are taking part along with 13 surface ships from Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Two research vessels – one Norwegian and one NATO-owned – are also participating. Norway, as the host nation, is providing support from the Haakonsvern Naval Base and the Sola Air Base, both of which are located near Bergen. France and Germany are also providing maritime patrol aircraft for the exercise.