25.05.2010
Text:
Photo: large ASW ship
Severomorsk visiting Brest on June 19, 2009.
Sea phase of the exercise starts on June 7. It is planned to train interoperability between Norwegian and Russian navies and air forces. Four episodes of the exercise will include gun firings at aerial and sea surface targets, detection and attack of submarine, and deck landing of helicopters.
Joint "operation" on ship release from pirates with boarding and searching drills is also scheduled, as well as release of oil platform captured by armed extremists, and rescue of sailors. During the latter drill dummies imitating people in distress will be thrown overboard Norwegian fishing vessel or Coast Guard ship. Sea phase is to be finished on June 11.
Except for working program to be held in Bergen, it is also planned to conduct sport contests between sailors of the two countries.
At final stage of the exercise on June 12, during Russia's Independence Day, Severomorsk will host frigate KNM
Otto Sverdrup. Gen. Lt. Bernt Brovold, commander of the Norwegian Defense Force's National Joint Headquarters will be on board the ship to pay official visit. As explained by NF Information Support Group, large ASW ship
Severomorsk will act as a host ship representing the host party, so she will call at Severomorsk first, followed by
Otto Sverdrup. We recall that coming visit of recently built Norwegian frigate to Severomorsk is going to be the second; the first one was paid in Sept 2009.
Upon arrival of the ships to Severomorsk, in June 12-15 it is planned to summarize the
Pomor 2010 exercise. It is worth adding that cultural and sport program is also scheduled; the point is to strengthen the spirit of cooperation between Russian and Norwegian servicemen. There will be sightseeing tours, basketball, volleyball, and tug-of-war friendly games.
