Multi-lateral anti-submarine warfare drill starts in Norway

A multi-lateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise in the Norwegian Sea got underway May 9 as navy assets from five ally countries gathered in Bodo, Norway, for the pre-sail conference.

The exercise is hosted by Norway and led by the US Navy.

ASW forces from Canada, France, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States are taking part with the aim of honing interoperability and tactical proficiencies.

US units participating in the exercise include one fast attack submarine, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) and one P-8A Poseidon aircraft attached to Maritime Patrol Squadron (VP) 10.

“This exercise is a key opportunity for US and allied partners to practice ASW skills in a tactically challenging environment,” said Capt. Roger E. Meyer, commander, Task Force 69, the US 6th Fleet unit responsible for submarine operations in the European and African theaters.

The US Navy did not reveal the name of the exercise and it is unclear whether it is a continuation of a maneuver which took place in May last year. While smaller in scope, the May 2017 exercise in the Norwegian Sea saw the participation of German Type 212 submarines and US and Norwegian ASW assets. The drill was named Eastlant 2017.