NATO ASW drill Dynamic Mongoose gets underway off Norway

NATO’s second annual anti-submarine warfare exercise Dynamic Mongoose kicked off on Monday off the coast of Norway.

The Norway-hosted Norwegian Sea exercise follows its Mediterranean counterpart – Dynamic Manta – which took place off Italy in March.

Dynamic Mongoose will be taking place from June 25 to July 6, and will see the participation of a total of eight NATO nations.

According to NATO, the drill will be joined by two submarines, 7 surface warships and three maritime patrol aircraft. Dutch Navy frigate HNLMS Van Speijk, Spanish frigate ESPS Álvaro de Bazán and US destroyer USS Bainbridge are among the known participating units.

“This valuable training opportunity will allow us, in conjunction with our NATO allies and partners, to enhance our ASW capabilities, improve interoperability and ultimately strengthen the alliances that bind our nations together in mutual commitment to regional security,” said Cmdr. Chad R, Donnelly, commanding officer of Patrol Squadron (VP) 10, a US Navy maritime patrol squadron participating in the exercise.

The aim of this exercise is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare skills.