NATO Begins 'Dynamic Mongoose' Sub-Hunt Exercise
By Aiswarya Lakshmi
May 5, 2015
Naval forces from 10 NATO nations and Sweden have launched one of its biggest-ever anti-submarine exercises in the North Sea in Norway to practice detecting and hunting submarines in an annual exercise whose real-world relevance has grown in the past year.
Dubbed 'Dynamic Mongoose', the training pits submarines from Germany, the U.S., Sweden and Norway against surface ships employing a suite of sonar, sensors and maritime air patrols.
The exercises are expected to last until May 13 and involve more than a dozen warships and submarines, as well as planes and helicopters. Photos of the first maneuvers were released on the Facebook page of NATO Maritime Command.
“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.
