The NATO Allied Maritime Command-led (MARCOM) exercise Dynamic Mongoose 2020 kicks off in the northern Atlantic Ocean on 29 June with the participation of the ships, submarines, as well as aircraft and personnel from 6 Allied nations. The exercise is planned to end on 10th July.
Submarines from France, Germany, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States under NATO Submarine Command are joining surface ships from Canada, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States. As the host nation, Iceland is providing logistical support in Reykjavik.
To enhance the simulated multi-threat environment, maritime patrol aircrafts from France, Norway, United Kingdom and the United States support the exercise. In total, 5 surface ships, 5 submarines, 5 maritime patrol aircrafts are participating.
The aim of the 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, with due regard to safety.
Statements of NATO Commanders for Dynamic Mongoose 2020 :
“Exercises today seize opportunities for NATO and Allied nations to sharpen war-fighting skills by focusing on high-end capabilities including Anti-Submarine Warfare. Dynamic Mongoose will ensure we remain prepared for operations in peace, crisis and conflict. In this regard, I appreciate the outstanding host nation support of Iceland and those nations that have contributed forces. Dynamic Mongoose will, I am certain, be a highly effective exercise,” said Vice Admiral Keith Blount, Commander of NATO’s Allied Maritime Command.
“NATO’s annual Anti-Submarine-warfare exercise Dynamic Mongoose remains one of the most challenging exercises and an excellent opportunity for NATO nations’ naval forces to practice and evaluate their anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare skillsets in the challenging environment of the North Atlantic. This exercise is a unique opportunity to enhance naval forces’ war-fighting skills in all dimensions of anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare in a multinational and multi-threat environment,” said Rear Admiral E. Andrew Burcher, Commander NATO Submarines.
Dynamic Mongoose 2020 to enhance operational cooperation :
To ensure the safety and health of participating military personnel, Dynamic Mongoose 2020 will take place exclusively at sea. This precaution allows NATO to enhance multinational operational cooperation while ensuring that crews remain healthy and ready to provide continuous regional security.
Each surface ship will have the opportunity to conduct a variety of submarine warfare operations. The submarines will take turns hunting and being hunted, closely coordinating their efforts with the air and surface participants.
Due to COVID-19 threat, measures taken by both Icelandic authorities and the force contributing nations will be strictly followed by all sides during the port visits and training.
