28.02.2013
Text: Public relations service of Western Command
Photo: An example of Russia and NATO Russia cooperation at sea as the Italian Ship
San Marco maneuvers on the port (left) side of the Russian Federation ship
Severomorsk during a joint counter piracy exercise that took place on 26 Feb in the Gulf of Aden.
The exercise was organised in the context of counter-piracy cooperation agreed by the NATO-Russia Council (NRC). It was planned as a result of recent meetings at sea between the two naval forces, and represents a significant step forward towards NATO-Russia interoperability in counter-piracy activities in the Indian Ocean.
"This day will be a milestone in the cooperation between the Russian Federation and NATO and, I'm sure, its effects will not only be lim ited to counter-piracy activities but offers the prospect of other types of constructive engagement in future", said Rear Admiral Antonio Natale at the end of the exercise.
The exercise was conducted in two main phases; during the first phase,
San Marco played the part of a hijacked vessel with
Severomorsk taking the role of a counter piracy vessel which sent an assault team to free her. The Russian Navy assault team from the
Severomorsk landed by helicopter on the deck of the
San Marco and successfully captured the pretend pirates. The Russian team were using the NATO ship to practice boarding procedures to free hostages.
In the second phase,
Severomorsk played the role of a vessel involved in illegal weapons trafficking and
San Marco was a naval vessel looking for evidence of illegal activity and sent a boarding team to inspect the vessel. The NATO boarding team from
San Marco was lowered by helicopter onto the deck of
Severomorsk and with the cooperation of the Russian Navy practiced search procedures looking for evidence of illegal activity.
