NATO Maritime Command press release
The exercise was designed to facilitate the Submarine Commander Course (SMCC), which tests, assesses, and qualifies potential new submarine commanding officers.
Submarines and surface units from Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands joined SNMG1 for the Arctic Dolphin 2022 exercise to strengthen interoperability between the Allied nations in the anti-submarine warfare domain.
The challenging inshore and coastal conditions off the Norwegian West Coast provide excellent training opportunities for participants. Surface units performed a wide range of special manoeuvers for SMCC assessors. The most difficult part for the SNMG1 bridge teams was handling their own ship while simultaneously directing movements of up to three other SNMG1 ships. Submarine commander candidates had to anticipate and act upon the surface ships’ maneuvers, while surface units focused on anti-submarine warfare.
Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes (F362) trained lookouts, officers of the watch, and operations room personnel to detect and recognize submarines.
“It is really nice to practice with actual submarines instead of a simulated exercise,” HDMS Peter Willemoes Bridge Watchkeeping Officer Oliver said. “With the sonar teams in the operations room and lookouts on the bridge, we’re building the picture together.”
According to Commander, SNMG1, Commodore A. van de Sande, Exercise Arctic Dolphin 22 provided valuable anti-submarine warfare training in an international setting that helped prepare NATO Allies for future operations.
“Training with four submarines in one exercise is a great opportunity, so we made optimum use of it,” said van de Sande. “I sincerely thank the Royal Norwegian Navy for hosting and supporting Arctic Dolphin 22. This training is exceptionally valuable and takes place in wonderful, but challenging surroundings.”
Commodore A. van de Sande, Commander of SNMG1
