Between 18-21 April, the exercise gathered five ships from three nations and covered an area from the Southern part of Norway to the Eastern part of Denmark and the inlet Baltic Sea. This is the only time during the first spell of 2020 that the two, for the time being Norwegian-led forces, will exercise and interact together.
In the end, there is no doubt that we are totally dependent on each other
From SNMG1 the flagship, the Norwegian frigate Otto Sverdrup and the German oiler Rhon participated, while SNMCMG1 brought their flagship FGS Donau together with the mine countermeasure vessels Otra from Norway and Willemstad from The Netherlands.
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SNMG1 flagship HNoMS Otto Sverdrup and SNMCMG1 flagship, FGS Donau train together during interaction near Norwegian coast on April 18, 2020. Photo: Royal Norwegian Navy
“In the end, there is no doubt that we are totally dependent on each other. The Mine Countermeasures Group One depends on the force protection from SNMG1, and SNMG1 need the SNMCMG1`'s ability to clear or counter mine threats. The recently conducted training stresses the core in the NATO alliance, and show that we easily cooperate in accordance with NATO procedures, regardless of nationalities, responsibilities and expertise. Both forces have crucial and complementary strengths that make us stronger together in our common commitment to defend all Allies”, said Commander senior grade, Henning Knudsen-Hauge, Commander of SNMCMG1.
The exercise gave the participants the opportunity to interact in a range of different maritime areas such as replenishment at sea, towing, gunnery exercise and protection of the ships, as well as advanced manoeuvring.
“The interactions and training of the two groups is of great value. The area selected included also some minor challenges with civilian shipping, but that was intended to ensure realistic training. This also builds a good foundation for later activities in exercises and operations. I have enjoyed the way both groups professionalism have flourished these last days”, said Commodore Yngve Skoglund, Commander of SNMG1.