Dynamic Manta 2023:Anti-Submarine Warfare in the Mediterranean

NATO Exercise Dynamic Manta 2023 began on 27 February and continues through 10 March.It provides complex and challenging maritime warfighting training to all nine participating Allies:Canada,France,Germany,Greece,Italy,Spain,Turkiye,the UK and the US.The techniques,tactics and procedures (TTPs) emphasise anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and surface warfare in the context of Anti-Access/Area Denial operations in the Central Mediterranean Sea.The drills are meant to shape a collectively trained and interoperable force ready to operate as the maritime component of the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).According to NATO,its maritime power relies on the capability to combine NATO Standing Forces with high capability national forces to deliver effects whenever and wherever needed.In this iteration of the exercise,Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG 2) provides surface warfare assets. SNMG 2 currently consists of the flagship,US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95);Spanish Armada ESPS Juan Carlos I,an amphibious assault ship/aircraft carrier that can launch the AV-8B Harrier II or the F-35B Lightning II;and frigates Hellenic Navy HS Psara (F 454),Italian Navy ITS Carlo Margottini (F 592),and Royal Canadian Navy HMCS Fredericton (FFH 337).* Dynamic Manta 2023 is conducted under NATO Maritime Command (MARCOM) headquartered in Northwood,Hertfordshire,UK.Said US Navy Rear Admiral Stephen Mack,Commander Submarines NATO:Strategic defense of the Alliance must incorporate a planned,multi-threat response.* DM 23 involves submarines from Greece,Italy,Turkiye and the US.Air assets,including Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA),are being provided by Canada,France,Germany,Italy,the UK and the US.Host nation Italy is providing support at Catania and Augusta harbours;Naval Helicopter Base Catania;Naval Air Station Sigonella and Trapani;and Augusta Naval Base.* In one drill,Italian Navy Todaro-class submarine ITS Scire (S 527) conducted a Special Operations Forces exercise with Hellenic Navy frigate HS Psara (F 454).For its part,the UK deployed two Poseidon MRA1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft from CXX Squadron,and associated communications and engineering specialists,out of RAF Lossiemouth,Scotland to NAS Sigonella and Trapani,Italy for DM 23.The MPA will coordinate with warships and submarines at searching for and locating submarines.During DM 23,submarines and surface combatants take turns hunting and being hunted.*