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NATO Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise ‘Dynamic Mongoose’ Concluded.
| 2015
Units
in formation during NATO exercise Dynamic Mongoose near Norwegian coast,
including a German Navy Type 212 Submarine and a French Navy Leygues
class ASW Frigate. Picture: NATO German
Submarine flight over by a Netherland NH90 NFH ASW helicopter during NATO
exercise Dynamic Mongoose. Picture: NATO |
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“This
exercise tested our forces’ abilities in a highly challenging operational
environment, with equally challenging weather conditions,” said
Captain Iain Breckenridge, Assistant Chief of Staff for COMSUBNATO. “It
confirms the resolve of NATO maritime forces to keep their warfare skills
at the highest level. We will share the lessons we have learned with all
Allied navies to ensure they benefit fully in reinforcing their ability
to address threats to Alliance security.” During the exercise, units practiced advanced warfare techniques in detection and classification, surface engagement, air engagement, and tactical coordination. In turn, the submarines participating in the exercise honed their ability to evade detection. |
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photo by WO C.ARTIGUES (HQ MARCOM) |
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“DYNAMIC
MONGOOSE was an excellent opportunity for our sailors to improve proficiency
in Allied procedures and tactics,” said VICKSBURG Operations Officer,
Lt. James Hostetler. “Our ability to bring ships and submarines
together while operating within 1,500 yards of each other is a testament
to our strong interoperability. This exercise tested the skills of our
combat watch teams and strengthened the teamwork not only within each
ship, but also across the force.” For many Sailors, the ability to train on ASW techniques with other nations was an invaluable opportunity. “Our NATO Allies and partners have very capable submarines that make it difficult, but not impossible, to execute our ASW mission. I have always enjoyed a challenge and on that front they have not disappointed,” said Sonar Technician (Surface) 1st Class Willis Langdon. “I feel that with each of our successful exercises, we only improve our abilities. We are able to take away lessons learned for all units and nations involved.” |
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photo by WO C.ARTIGUES (HQ MARCOM) |
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Each task
unit also employed the use of their organic air assets, helicopters, and
utilized fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft also participating in the
exercise. According to SNMG2 Staff Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer, Lt.
Cmdr. Tomas Cordon, the most important tools to track a submarine are
the air assets. From the air, helicopters and other aircraft are used
to locate the submarine and the surface ships then coordinate an attack.
The exercise also provided a great opportunity for the participating submarines
to learn how to evade the surface and air units, and presumably launch
an attack. “I think that DYNAMIC MONGOOSE has proven to be a very successful exercise,” said Cordon. “It’s been a great opportunity to exercise our ASW skills and to practice tactics and procedures. Even in this very demanding environment, our operators increased their knowledge and abilities exponentially.” |
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