Train situations for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) models embody clearing mines, eliminating explosive threats, working unmanned automobiles and conducting diving and salvage.
BALTOPS 24 brings the biggest assembled coalition of amphibious and mine countermeasure forces in BALTOPS historical past.
Collaborating nations embody Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, the UK, and the USA.
U.S. Navy EOD forces are working along with Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Norway.
“We’re privileged to combine with the Belgian, Dutch, French, and Norwegian navies at BALTOPS 24,” stated Lt. Cmdr. Kristen Fekete, government officer of EODMU 12. “With our shared mission of neutralizing explosive threats, multinational operations reminiscent of these convey regional reassurance and adversarial deterrence.”
BALTOPS stays an alliance proving floor and is important for honing the forefront of mixed interoperability, with Navy EOD taking part in a key function in mine countermeasures, unmanned floor automobile operations, and built-in maritime and air operations.
Whereas the train is led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and U.S. Sixth Fleet (NAVEUR-NAVAF/SIXTHFLT), Naval Putting and Help Forces NATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal, has command and management of the train.
For U.S. Navy EOD’s function within the train, EODMU 12 runs a devoted command and management (C2) ingredient headquartered in Putlos, Germany, the place EOD groups talk with the tactical operation middle earlier than, throughout, and after every mission.
Whereas EODMU 12 has tactical management of the EOD parts for the U.S., Belgian, Dutch, French, and Norwegian navies, Naval Floor and Mine Warfighting Growth Middle (SMWDC) Mine Countermeasure Technical Division (MCMTD) leads the general MCM mixed job group and directs seven subordinate job models, together with EOD’s operations, in help of BALTOPS.
As an train, BALTOPS frequently adapts to the dynamic safety setting. EOD’s involvement this yr highlights an elevated give attention to expeditionary mine countermeasures and command and management.
“Whereas mine countermeasures has been a central a part of the BALTOPS train for many years, we’re repeatedly in search of alternatives to extend its involvement and to experiment with completely different capabilities,” stated Capt. Scott Hattaway, vice commander, mine warfare battle workers. “This yr’s expeditionary mine countermeasures (ExMCM) contingent is the biggest thus far, combining the everyday EOD/diver and unmanned underwater automobile personnel with a command job unit to raised help command and management over a fancy water area.”
Aviation and floor belongings are working along with EOD for a strong, multiplatform mine countermeasure method.
“That is the primary time we’ve introduced the total detect-to-engage bundle for a BALTOPS train. We’re flexing this functionality by incorporating new applied sciences, in addition to an MCM succesful MH-60S detachment, to help their operations,” continued Hattaway.
Along with refining tactical proficiency, BALTOPS offers a superb platform for enhancing present partnerships and fostering new ones. Naval personnel from completely different international locations get the chance to work collectively, alternate information, and construct shut relationships which are essential for future collaboration.
“Working along with EOD allies is efficacious as a result of all of us have the identical duties, however we accomplish it in numerous methods. Our primary objective is identical – the risk needs to be gone. Seeing how completely different groups method the identical drawback with completely different options, you study small issues you can take again to your personal groups to be stronger,” stated Sergeant Main Ben Coolen, crew chief for the Netherlands Maritime EOD.
Coolen elaborated on the coaching alternatives shared by the U.S. and Dutch EOD groups at BALTOPS 24.
“Within the Netherlands, we by no means use a helicopter for a drifting mine process. Tomorrow, we’re going to try this collectively; that will probably be a novel studying expertise. Subsequent week, we’re shifting into the tactical part of the train, and we hope to method some duties along with the brand new information we’ve gained,” stated Coolen.
Naval power is important to attaining maritime safety, which is a vital part for regional stability and a thriving economic system. The Baltic Sea stays a essential artery of commerce, with as much as 15% of the world’s cargo transiting the area.
U.S. Navy EOD clears explosive hazards to offer entry to denied areas, employs superior ways and applied sciences to take advantage of and safe the undersea area for freedom of maneuver, builds and fosters relationships with trusted companions, and protects the nation. As Navy EOD develops new capabilities, pressure construction, and ways, our pressure stays devoted to sharing capabilities and data on combating explosive threats with our allies and companions to make sure regional stability.
Navy Divers from Cell Diving and Salvage Unit 2 (MDSU 2), a subordinate command of Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 2 (EODGRU 2), are additionally taking part in BALTOPS 2024. Working out of Liepaja, Latvia, they’re conducting underwater chopping and welding coaching, in addition to diving and salvage operations, with Latvian Navy Divers.
Navy Divers can carry out underwater salvage, restore and upkeep, submarine rescue and help operations for Navy particular warfare groups and explosive ordnance disposal groups. Due to their related talent units and mission areas, Navy EOD use expeditionary divers hooked up to our cellular models and our cellular diving and salvage models to conduct underwater search and salvage, port clearance, and hyperbaric chamber operations.
Different Navy Expeditionary Fight Command models taking part in BALTOPS embody: EOD Expeditionary Help Unit (EODESU) 2, headquartered in Virginia Seashore, Virginia; Commander Job Drive (CTF) 68, headquartered in Rota, Spain; and Naval Cell Building Battalion (NMCB) 11, headquartered in Gulfport, Mississippi.
BALTOPS 24 is the premier maritime centered navy train within the Baltic Area. The train, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Putting and Help Forces NATO, offers a novel coaching alternative to strengthen mixed response capabilities essential to preserving freedom of navigation and safety within the Baltic Sea.
BALTOPS 24 can be a part of the U.S. Division of Protection train collection, Giant Scale World Train (LSGE). LSGE is an umbrella time period that includes a number of workouts and navy actions, which allow the U.S. Joint Drive to coach with Allies and companions and enhance shared understanding, belief and interoperability on safety challenges throughout the globe.
Particulars of BALTOPS actions and imagery can be found at http://www.c6f.navy.mil. Media fascinated about masking the train ought to contact the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Public Affairs Workplace at mail to: cne_cna_c6fpao@us.navy.mil
For the total assortment of pictures from BALTOPS 2024, and information about U.S. Navy EOD and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group Two, go to https://www.dvidshub.internet/unit/EODG-2.
