North Atlantic Treaty Organization
Allied Maritime Command
May 12, 2014
NATO’S SUBMARINE RESCUE EXERCISE DYNAMIC MONARCH BEGINS
Gdynia, POLAND: Ships, submarines, aircraft, participating personnel and observers from 18 Allied and non-NATO nations are converging on Gdynia on the Baltic Sea for the NATO submarine rescue exercise DYNAMIC MONARCH 2014, which runs from May 12-23 in the waters off Gdynia.
The world’s largest submarine rescue exercise, which occurs every three years, is designed to test international forces’ interoperability and ability to respond to submarines that have become disabled, anywhere in the world, utilising the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office (ISMERLO) and emergency response procedures and equipment.
Given that worldwide more than 40 navies operate submarines, compatibility of equipment interfaces between vessels and standardisation of procedures used in submarine rescue are critical to the successful and safe recovery of submarine personnel from a disabled submarine.
…
During this year’s exercise, hosted by Poland, the three participating submarines will take turns settling on the bottom of the ocean to allow the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) to mate to its rescue hatch and test submarine rescue procedures.
…
“These are complex systems operating in an unforgiving environment where there is no room for errors,” said Rear Admiral Kamensky. “This is why we need to train together to ensure our operators are at their very best.”
Story by HQ MARCOM Public Affairs Office
Source