6 Apr. 2006

Brilliant Mariner tests Response Force’s sea legs Key links Brilliant Mariner Website Background NATO Response Force The ships and forces that will make up the maritime element of the cutting-edge NATO Response Force tested their readiness in exercise Brilliant Mariner 2006, 24 March - April 6. Brilliant Mariner was the last preparatory exercise before the three components of the NATO Response force - land, air, and maritime - come together in June for exercise Steadfast Jaguar 2006 in the Cape Verde Islands. This will be the final test of the Response Force before it is due to become fully operational in October this year. First responders Admiral Sir James Burnell-Nugent, directing officer for the exercise and Maritime Component Commander Northwood, said "Maritime Forces have the advantage that they can respond quickly. They are often the first forces into the area of operation anywhere in the world and the maritime component of the NATO Response Force can provide NATO with the ability to command a joint operation from sea.” Over 80 ships from eighteen countries participated in the exercise. The forces had to tackle a number of challenging scenarios including the evacuation of civilians in response to a crisis situation. The NATO Response Force is a highly ready and technologically advanced force made up of land, air, sea and special forces components. It is the driving force NATO’s military transformation and - once fully operational - will be capable of performing the full range of missions anywhere in the world.