Joint maneuvers of 8.FOW and Natovian "Antimine Tartar"

During the entire past week, intensive training of the 8th Coast Defence Fleet was conducted in the Baltic. In accordance with the principle that every opportunity to train in the international environment is good and gives tangible benefits, joint exercises have been conducted with the NATO Permanent Team Against Mine Defense Group 1.

The maneuvers began on Monday 23 May, with ships and auxiliary units organized in the Ship Task Force (OGZ). ORP Dąbie and ORP Team, H-12 Semko tow truck and ORP trawler In between, the vessels are separated to participate in the training from all divisions of the 8th FOW. The command was led from the ORP deck of Rear Admiral X. Czernicki of the 2nd Division of Transport and Mine Ships, on which the commanding staff was embarked.

The essence of the Ship Task Force training is to rip and interact the separate forces from the individual squadrons of the Flotilla. Exercises of this type also have a different function. They demonstrate the presence of the Polish Navy in the Baltic Sea and its readiness to act. This time, however, the most important project was to cooperate in Polish territorial waters with one of the four NATO vessels teams, which are constantly operating in the European sea basins – the permanent NATO Defence Force Team Group 1.

The crews of Polish and Natovian ships through joint training improved cooperation, thereby increasing the interoperability of individual forces of the North Atlantic Alliance. As part of the joint manoeuvres, the procedures for maneuvering in the formations, radio and signal communication and approach of ships to replenish stocks at short distances were practiced. Part of the episodes took place with the participation of the Polish Air Force, which led fake attacks with Su-22 aircraft from 21th Tactical Aviation Base. In conclusion, the so-called steampast was organised in a naval custom, namely the farewell of individuals and the mutual devotion of honors.

Exercises with NATO vessels were an excellent opportunity to demonstrate a common commitment to security and stability in the Baltic Sea region. Today, the safety of maritime transport routes depends on the stable development of maritime economy. More and more international trade is being transported by ports. Ensuring the security of the Baltic Sea, as a strategic maritime area, is the goal of all the countries of the alliance, as they prove by demonstrating their presence on the watershed and thus being ready to act in the event of a crisis. Only in May were ships flying the Dutch, Canadian, French and German flags entered the Świnouian War Port.

After co-operation with 8.FOW, the ships of the "Antimine Trait", i.e. the flagship of the team - Latvian LVNS Virsaitis (A53) and three Belgian Min Destroyers BNS Primula (M924), Estonian ENS Sakala (M314) and Norwegian HNoMS Hinnoy (M343) will moor in Szczecin.

Source: 8th FOW