North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Maritime Command
May 4, 2015
NATO Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise Begins in Norway
BERGEN, Norway: NATO’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise DYNAMIC MONGOOSE 2015 (DMON 15) began today, Monday, 4 May 2015, off the coast of Norway, with ships, submarines, aircraft and personnel from 10 Allied and 1 partner nation converging on the Norwegian Sea for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare training.
Submarines from Germany, Norway, Sweden and the United States, under operational control of NATO Submarine Command (COMSUBNATO), will join thirteen surface ships from Canada, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States under the command of Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO (SNMG-2) Rear Admiral Brad Williamson. The surface ships will include the Norwegian Research Vessel H.U.SVERDRUP II and the NATO Research Vessel NRV Alliance. As the host nation for the exercise, Norway is providing support from both the Haakonsvern Naval Base and the Sola Air Base.
“Exercise DYNAMIC MONGOOSE is a great training opportunity for our SNMG2 ships. It will allow us to exercise our ASW capabilities in a complex and challenging environment.” said Rear Admiral Brad Williamson, Commander of SNMG2. “It will also allow us to further integrate with other NATO forces to enhance our interoperability and to be ready to effectively respond to potential submarine threats to any of our NATO Allies.”
To support the simulated multi-threat environment, three Maritime Patrol Aircraft from France and Germany will operate from Sola Air Base under operational command of personnel from NATO Maritime Air Command (COMMARAIR), temporarily located at the base for the exercise.
Additionally, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom are providing personnel to augment COMSUBNATO during the exercise.
The aim of this exercise is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare skills. DMON15 provides emphasis on the safety of all participants.
“The presence of NATO in Norwegian waters will enhance interoperability, and will allow NATO to familiarise with Norwegian waters.” said Commodore Ole Morten Sandquist, Commander Norwegian Fleet. “Along with the participation of the aircraft operating from Sola Air Base which allows professional support to the units, exercise Dynamic Mongoose will improve NATO and Norway’s readiness and ability to conduct anti-submarine warfare.”
This year NRV ALLIANCE, operated by NATO Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) will participate the exercise. NRV Alliance conducts underwater research and experiments in all oceans of strategic importance to NATO nations, from the Mediterranean to the polar margins of the North Atlantic.
“CMRE is looking forward to demonstrating autonomous security networks for ASW during DMON15, NATO’s northerly ASW exercise.” said Ryan Goldhahn, CMRE Scientist-in-Charge at DMON15. “The inclusion of CMRE in this exercise reflects NATO’s recognition of the importance of these future capabilities, and the commitment to working with researchers to improve the way NATO’s navies operate at sea.”
Each surface ship under the tactical command of SNMG2 will have the opportunity to conduct a variety of submarine warfare operations. The submarines will take turns hunting and being hunted, closely coordinating their efforts with the air and surface participants.
“This exercise provides a great opportunity for these surface and air units to test their skills, equipment and tactical procedures against our extremely capable submarines,” said Captain Iain Breckenridge, Assistant Chief of Staff for COMSUBNATO. “We are looking forward to the lessons our participants will learn using trained tactics in a realistic environment.”
Story by HQ MARCOM Public Affairs Office
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