Covering Estonian territorial waters and economic zone, Open Spirit involved a total of 14 ships, 11 shore-based divers and underwater drone crews, and a total of over 700 Estonian, and Allied nations naval personnel.
We joined a NATO detachment for the first time, which means that our tasks and responsibilities in the detachment are now different, we receive our orders from the Commander of SNMCMG1 and carry them out with the same professionalism and uncompromising attitude as we do when carrying out missions at home
They included the Finnish Navy’s MHC Vahterpää, which has joined SNMCMG1 for nine weeks. MHC Vahterpää is the first unit in the Finnish Navy to be under NATO command as part of a Standing Group. Until 31 May 2024, the ship will carry out missions ordered by NATO's Allied Maritime Command (MARCOM).
NATO ships have been clearing explosive remnants of war in the Baltic Sea, during Estonian Navy-led Operation Open Spirit 24. Held for the first time in 1998, this annual exercise takes place on a rotating basis in Estonia, Latvia, or Lithuania.
“We joined a NATO detachment for the first time, which means that our tasks and responsibilities in the detachment are now different,” said the Commander of MHC Vahterpää, Finnish Navy Lieutenant Commander Henri Savisaari. “We receive our orders from the Commander of SNMCMG1 and carry them out with the same professionalism and uncompromising attitude as we do when carrying out missions at home.”
During Open Spirit counter-mining operations, 35 historic explosives were found in Estonian waters, of which 30 were cleared.
Open Spirit achieves more than improved safety and security in the Baltic Sea. It also allows participating nations to focus on the implementation and deepening of mine warfare techniques.
"In addition to making maritime areas safer and providing the possibility of realistic training, Open Spirit contributes to the deterrence posture of Estonia and NATO more broadly,” said Commander Ott Laanemets, Commander of the Open Spirit 24 Task Group. “Mine countermeasures are one of the key tasks in the Baltic Sea, keeping the sea lanes open to ensure the arrival of Allied aid. With Open Spirit, we show that we are there together with our Allies and can detect and countermine explosives in challenging conditions.”
SNMCMG1 currently comprises seven vessels from Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway - in addition to an explosive ordnance diving team from Latvia. The flagship is the German FGS Donau.