Dynamic Manta 2019:NATO Tests Naval Skillset Off Italian Coastline

On 25 February 2019,NATO began a major naval exercise off the Sicilian coast, Dynamic Manta 2019.Ten Allies have been evaluating and improving their naval warfighting skills: Canada; France; Germany; Greece; Italy;the Netherlands; Spain; Turkey; the UK; and the US.
According to RDM Andrew Lennon, US Navy,Commander, Submarines NATO (COMSUBNATO ):
This exercise is a unique opportunity to enhance naval forces' warfighting skills in all three dimensions of anti-submarine warfare in a multinational and multi-threat environment.*
Nine surface ships,five submarines,six maritime patrol aircraft and two helicopters are participating in the drills.Each surface ship will conduct a variety of ASW operations; while the submarines will take turns hunting and being hunted, in close coordination with air and surface assets, said NATO Allied Maritime Command.
In one drill,a helicopter from Canadian frigate HMCS Toronto flew over Spanish submarine ESPS Tramorana at low altitude in an ASW demo.*
The aim of the ten-day exercise in the central Ionian Sea is to provide all participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in ASW and anti-surface warfare skills,NATO said.*
The drills were supported by host nation Italy from Sigonella Air Base, Navy Helicopter Base Catania,and Augusta Naval Base.*
In the course of the drills,real time and detailed analysis of the individual units' performance has been provided by ASW experts based at Sigonella.This In-Stride Debriefing Team (IDT) will strengthen the coordination of procedures and operations between Allied forces in a context of multiple threats.

Facing Up to Hostile Submarines:NATO Commences Wargames in Ionian Sea

NATO's Dynamic Manta 2018 is currently underway in the Ionian Sea,which is an arm of the Mediterranean between Italy and Greece.The exercise is to improve warfighting skills,interoperability and readiness.Running from 5-16 March,it is described by NATO as being a high-end multinational exercise designed to sharpen existing NATO Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) skills in the Mediterranean Sea.Ten Allies are taking part:Belgium;Canada;France;Germany;Greece;Italy;Spain;Turkey;the UK;and the US.*
Five thousand Sailors and Airmen will be under three NATO Command Elements,crewing and supporting 10 helicopters;10 Maritime Patrol Aircraft;9 surface ships;and 6 submarines.Each surface ship will be eligible to conduct a range of submarine warfare operations.The submarines will alternate being hunters and the hunted,in coordination with the air and surface forces.
Rear Admiral Andrew Lennon,US Navy,is Commander Submarines NATO and Officer Conducting the Exercise (OCE):
Our Allied Sailors study and work hard to develop their undersea abilities.Dynamic Manta will give our airborne,surface and submarine teams a valuable chance to test themselves under complex scenarios.I'm very excited to be back in Sicily and so grateful to Italy for hosting us.*
Practicing together in a pure environment,the drills provide simultaneously the ability to evaluate and further develop Allied Anti-Submarine tactics.
Commodore Andreas Vettos of the Hellenic Navy is Commander Maritime Air NATO:
As Anti-Submarine Warfare includes all three dimensions,special attention needs to be placed upon ASW from the air.Because of this,it is important for aircrews from various NATO nations to come and train together in this truly challenging environment.*
DM 18 is based at Augusta Naval Base;Catania Harbour;and Sigonella Air Base,Sicily.