14 Febr 2002

Exercise Dogfish A NATO exercise focusing on anti-submarine warfare is taking place in the Ionian Sea, to the east of Sicily, from 14 to 27 February. The aim of this annual exercise, which is the largest of its kind in the world, is to maintain Allied proficiency in coordinated anti-submarine, anti-surface, and coastal surveillance operations using a multi-national force of ships, submarines and aircraft. The exercise will involve NATO forces from Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States who will operate day and night in an attempt to hunt fictitious enemy submarines. The multi-national force will be comprised of 9 submarines, 19 Maritime patrol aircraft, Italian shore-based anti-submarine warfare helicopters, five surface ships from NATO's Standing Naval Force Mediterranean and 6 additional surface ships. Throughout the 11-day exercise, over 120 air mission are planned. Exercise Dogfish 2002 is conducted jointly by the commanders of Allied Naval Forces South (NAVSOUTH) and Allied Air Forces South (AIRSOUTH), which are under the command of Regional Headquarters, Allied Forces South (AFSOUTH) in Naples, responsible for the Mediterranean area. Additional information: AFSOUTH Press Release 05-2002: EXERCISE DOGFISH 2002 NATO forces gather in the Mediterranean for the world's largest annual anti-submarine warfare exercise - 5 February 2002