This comprehensive, live-exercise rigorously tested and validated existing plans and procedures, emphasizing the critical importance of a robust command and control structure, spanning strategic, operational and tactical levels. The planning process considered operational and tactical requirements incorporating essential elements such as legal frameworks, rules of engagement, medical support and communications.
The staff of SOCCE in Greece successfully demonstrated their ability to effectively command and control assigned SOF element, showcasing its operational effectiveness in support of the HQ
A highly skilled team from the Hellenic Armed Forces SOF, assigned to OSG and operating under the direct control of SOCCE in Greece, embarked in the Fast Guided Missile Patrol Boat HS DANIOLOS and boarded the Hellenic Navy support ship HS Atlas I. In a simulated scenario, HS Atlas I portrayed a suspect merchant vessel engaging in illegal activities related to terrorism.
Fast Guided Missile Patrol Boat HS DANIOLOS served as the platform for the Hellenic Armed Forces SOF, assigned to OSG operating under the direct control of SOCCE in Greece, to board a suspect merchant vessel engaging in illegal activities related to terrorism. In a simulated scenario, the Hellenic Navy support ship HS Atlas I performed as the suspect vessel.
The Greek SOF team boarded the vessel, following a thorough inspection of documentation and a comprehensive search to the cargo, the vessel was cleared.
In NATO, the Hellenic, Spanish and Turkish Armed Forces have established SOCCE elements to support SOF operations in OSG on a rotational basis.
This exercise showcased the precision and readiness of all participating forces in addressing potential maritime threats in the Mediterranean Sea
“The staff of SOCCE in Greece successfully demonstrated their ability to effectively command and control assigned SOF element, showcasing its operational effectiveness in support of the HQ,” said Captain Thaddeus Bruijn (NLD N), Allied Maritime Command. “This exercise showcased the precision and readiness of all participating forces in addressing potential maritime threats in the Mediterranean Sea”.
OSG is a collaborative, year-round maritime security operation designed to maintain Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA), deter and counter-terrorism activity, and build capacity and interoperability among NATO Allies and partners. In addition to the daily MSA activities, OSG has been conducting focused patrols in specific areas of interest in the Mediterranean Sea.