Naval forces from the UK, Norway and Denmark have performed a joint annual maritime train to evaluate and improve the capabilities of future submarine commanders.
The fortnight-long train, referred to as Flotex, goals to organize the forces to undertake missions to guard Nato’s northern flank.
It includes participation of the UK Royal Navy’s (RN) Astute-class nuclear-powered submarine HMS Clever and Duke-class or Sort 23 frigate HMS Northumberland.
The 2 vessels have joined the Royal Norwegian Navy (Sjøforsvaret) forces in addition to naval vessels, F-35 stealth fighter jets and long-range maritime patrol plane from the Royal Danish Navy.
In keeping with the RN, HMS Clever has been internet hosting a number of coaching drills for the long run submarine commanding officers to organize them for conducting live-action part of the ‘Submarine Command Course or Perisher’.
Perisher course lead teacher commander McAllister mentioned: “Flotex offered a warfare state of affairs that was complicated sufficient to satisfy my coaching goals in an space of ever-changing circumstances which confused image compilation, with fjords which made for demanding dived navigation, all of which mixed to problem my college students to their restrict.”
The newest iteration of Flotex allowed the trainees to carry out numerous submarine looking drills, led by HMS Northumberland frigate.
Performed within the near-sub-zero waters of the Norwegian Sea and Arctic Sea, the coaching actions allowed the trainee commanders to function in difficult situations.
The operations have been additionally supported by the Merlin helicopters that allowed the personnel to find hostile submarines.
RN HMS Northumberland commanding officer commander Will Edwards-Bannon mentioned: “The difficult circumstances – each above and beneath the waves – have been the right surroundings for my crew to hone their expertise and guarantee our skill to defend Nato’s Northern Flank.”
