After leaving Ostend on Feb. 3, SNMCMG1 flagship German Navy tender FGS Donau (A516) joined mine-hunting units Estonian Navy ENS Ugandi (M315), Royal Netherlands Navy HNLMS Zierikzee (M862), and French Navy FS Andromede (M643) as part of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF)-(Maritime) working together under NATO for the operation.
The crew of FS Andromede detected the LMB air-laid ground mine, a remnant from World War I or II, which contained approximately 700 kilograms of explosives. They immediately began coordinating with French authorities in preparation to neutralize the mine.
It was a great honor for SNMCMG1 to have actively contributed to establishing safer waters for our close partners and allies, I’m looking forward to the continuation of this successful cooperation and recognize the dedication and excellence of all crews in the Task Group.
French divers from the ship placed two tactical explosive charges on the mine. After calculating minimum safety distances, the divers detonated the mine on Feb. 13 sending a large plume of water into the air and eliminating the threat of unintentional explosion.
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Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) completed successful historical ordnance disposal operations (HODOPS) off the coast of France, Feb. 20, including disposal of a 700-kilogram mine
To kick off the two-week operation, Commander, SNMCMG1 German Navy Captain Artur Krüger visited each of the minehunters to gain a greater understanding of all crews’ operational skills. In addition to their core mission of mine hunting operations, the crews conduct multiple replenishments-at-sea to take on supplies, and conduct numerous drills such as man overboard, damage prevention, and casualty care to prepare for any interaction or emergency.
This mission once again demonstrated the precision and effectiveness of a NATO maritime task group.
“It was a great honor for SNMCMG1 to have actively contributed to establishing safer waters for our close partners and allies,” Krüger said. “I’m looking forward to the continuation of this successful cooperation and recognize the dedication and excellence of all crews in the Task Group. Bravo Zulu and well done. “
SNMCMG1 will continue its multinational integration through regular operations and exercises in support of sustained Alliance assurance measures in the region.
NATO’s two mine countermeasures groups conduct multiple HODOPS throughout NATO’s area of responsibility each year to help reduce the number of historical munitions left over from the First and Second World Wars, increasing safety at sea for everyone. The groups operate under the command of NATO Allied Maritime Command, headquartered in Northwood, United Kingdom.