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.
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