Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) gathered alongside the rest of the task group, comprising ten ships from seven nations – Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Germany, Belgium, France and Norway. They were supported by shore-based mine clearance divers from Latvia, Belgium, the UK and the USA.
The exercise focused on Historic Ordnance Disposal Operations (HODOPS) in the Irbe Strait, a body of water leading into Riga Bay. It remains one of the most heavily mined areas in the world in the aftermath of two World Wars, and efforts to clear it of the threat of unexploded ordnance have continued for more than twenty years.
Open Spirit is the perfect arena for Mine Countermeasure forces to train the full spectrum of mine-hunting operations. From the planning, search and identifying phase to the culmination of efforts with the neutralization of the mine, Exercise Open Spirit provides the opportunity to do this over a longer period. It improves the units’ training level over numerous interactions with the enemy – our enemy – the naval mine.
Mines are among the most effective and deadly weapons that a naval force can employ. The ability to counter sea mines is, therefore, vital to ensure freedom of navigation for military forces and merchant shipping. During Exercise Open Spirt 2023, SNMCMG1 countermined over 40 mines from previous conflicts.
“Making the seas safer for everyone is very rewarding,” said Commander Ole Torstein Sjo. “Open Spirit is the perfect arena for Mine Countermeasure forces to train the full spectrum of mine-hunting operations. From the planning, search and identifying phase to the culmination of efforts with the neutralization of the mine, Exercise Open Spirit provides the opportunity to do this over a longer period. It improves the units’ training level over numerous interactions with the enemy – our enemy – the naval mine.”
Throughout its 50 years of operations, the Mine Countermeasures (MCM) Task Group has provided the Alliance with a high readiness MCM force, ready to deploy when and where NATO requires it. The Task Group has been operating in all corners of NATO’s area of responsibility. It supports its member nations with historical ordnance disposal operations continually. It also represents the strong bonds between Alliance nations through hard work, challenging conditions at sea and port visits for replenishment, maintenance, and crew rest.
It consists of the Norwegian Flagship HNoMS Nordkapp, and mine countermeasure vessels HNoMS Otra, FGS Rottweil, ENS Sakala, BNS Bellis, FS Pegase and FS Sagittaire.