SNMCMG1 News Archive 2010

During the second day of minehunting in Northern Coasts 2010 the NATO flagged Task Group was visited by Commander-in-Chief of the Finnish NAVY – vice admiral Juha Rannikko and Commander of Surface and MCM Task Group of the exercise Capt. Jarmo Pennala. Guests embarked onboard SNMCMG1 flagship ORP “Admiral Xawery Czernicki”.
The guests were both welcomed by Commander of SNMCMG1 – Cdr Krzysztof Jan Rybak. After short meeting in Flag Captain’s cabin, they were briefed on the current minehunting situation in the Task Group within the exercise Northern Coasts 2010. It was followed by a short presentation of main tasks, mission and capabilities of Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One as NATO Response Force. Admiral Rannikko appreciated the Groups’ contribution to Northern Coast exercise having in mind recently finished Danex 2010 exercise
and upcoming Joint Warrior maneuvers off the coast of the United Kingdom. He also added that
bottom and navigation conditions in Finnish waters are demanding and can be used to train not
only sonar operators but also officers of the watch. After leaving Turku Harbor on Monday evening for a night transit to theoperations area, the Group started hunting for mines on Tuesday morning. Deteriorating weather conditions forced the ships to take shelter, however, mine hunting continued.

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On Thursday, 2nd of September, shortly after noon the sounds of sirens warned of a fire on one of the ships of Standing NATO Mine  Counter measures Group One (SNMCMG1). Firefighters from neighboring ships in the port of Neustadt along with Hamburg Firefighting Brigade came to the rescue. Injured crewmen were evacuated and assisted by medics. Fortunately it was a training conducted by SNMCMG1 ships during their stay in Neustadt. On Monday and Tuesday (August 30 and 31), crews of SNMCMG1 ships undertook firefighting and damage control training under the supervision of instructors from the German Damage Control Centre in Neustadt. Small groups of sailors practiced extinguishing fires and sealing hull punctures using the Centre’s technical facilities. On Wednesday and Thursday the training was conducted onboard ships outside the harbor. Man-over-board procedures, and mutual firefighting drills at sea were evaluated by MCM operation Sea Test (MOST) Instructors from the joint Belgian-Dutch Training. The training was conducted as a real-life situation to determine whether the Group is prepared to save the ship from major fire during its stay in the harbor. That was the last episode of four-day intense training in Neustadt.The ships of SNMCMG1 are currently preparing for the next multinational exercise - Northern Coast 2010, which will be conducted off the coast of Finland from 10th of September. View pictures 

DANEX 2010
“The war has begun ... On Sunday, 22nd of August, at 4:00 AM Polish destroyer ORP ‘Mewa’ was struck by waterborne improvised explosive device. Two other ships being in the vicinity rushed to help. One of them took the defective unit on tow, and arriving on scene ORP ‘Admiral Xawery Czernicki’ provided necessary medical help for injured crewmen.“ This is how the active phase of Danex 2010 exercise started out. Almost 30 ships from 12 countries have been preparing for worse-case scenario at sea since 16th of August. Full story

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SNMCMG1 ready for DANEX 2010 after Summer break
On Monday 2nd August, ships of NATO’s Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 began their deployment for the second half of the year. The ships assembled at the end of July in Gydnia, Poland where they conducted training and made preparations for the coming months’ operations. During time spent in Warnemunde, Germany the Group conducted exercises and training at sea. Communications, replenishment at sea, emergency situations, man-over-board and damage control were just some of the scenarios conducted to ensure the Group and individual units are ready for action. Last Wednesday (11th), the ships entered Copenhagen, Denmark. They were there to participate in the Danish Navy’s 500th anniversary celebrations and to prepare for the multinational exercise in the Baltic – DANEX 2010 which starts today (16th). 30 ships from 12 different nations will participate in DANEX 2010 which is the largest exercise of its kind in the Baltic Straits this year and takes place around the island of Bornholm. The aim of the exercise is to achieve cooperation in coastal operations where units are working in unstable environments.

23 June 10

Rear Admiral Marek Kurzyk visits SNMCMG1
During their port visit to Tallinn, Estonia, Deputy Chief of Staff (Support) AMC Northwood, Rear Admiral Marek Kurzyk visited the SNMCMG1 units. He met with Commander SNMCMG1, Commander Krzysztof Jan Rybak and all officers and crew of the SNMCMG1 units. RAdm Kurzyk was briefed on the Group’s achievements in the first half of 2010 and given an overview of their programme for the rest of the year. Press Release

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During the latest exercise, BALTOPS 2010, currently taking place in the Gulf of Finland NATO units not only found and destroyed the dummy exercise mines but they also found a few live mines and other underwater explosive devices which had lain on the sea bed since World War 2.
As planned in the first phase of the operation, SNMCMG1 units prepared safe lines of communication for the exercise’s amphibious forces. Several dummy mines had been laid, however the first mine to be found was a live WW2 sea mine containing over 600 kgs of TNT. The mine was destroyed by the German diver support ship, FGS Rottweil. Press Release

SNMCMG1 are currently taking part in BALTOPS 2010, NATO’s Partnership for Peace exercise which aims to promote maritime interoperability between NATO and non-NATO participants. The main objective for SNMCMG1 during BALTOPS 2010 exercise is to clear the sea bed of exercise mines and to ensure safety for sailors and soldiers during the amphibious landing operation. Since 10th June SNMCMG1 units together with other mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs)have been carrying out clearance operations in Hara Bay, Estonia. Full Story  View pictures

BNS Aster leaves SNMCMG1
On Wednesday 26th May 2010, BNS ASTER left NATO’s Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) after her three month deployment and returned to her base port of Zebbrugge. The Belgian minehunter operated for 15 weeks alongside other SNMCMG1 units and participated in a number of scheduled operations and exercises. These included 3 operations: Beneficial Cooperation (February and May 2010), Historical Ordnance Disposal 2010, Bay of Somme (May 2010). She also took part in one of the biggest NATO Exercises, Brilliant Mariner 2010 and a
German 2nd FPB Squadron Exercise. During the live ordnance clearance operations BNS ASTER
countermined 12 pieces of underwater explosive ordnances, over 3500 kilograms of explosives.
This huge contribution was recognised by COMSNMCMG1, Cdr Krzysztof Rybak, who thanked Cdr
Luc Van Tricht, the Commanding Officer of BNS ASTER, and all crew members for their commitment,
dedication and professionalism. In bidding BNS ASTER farewell he wished all Godspeed, fair winds and following seas. More pictures

SNMCMG1, together with SNMCMG2, commenced Historical Ordnance Disposal Operations, Baye de Somme, on Monday 17 May in the vicinity of Dieppe, France. This operation will make a valuable contribution towards ridding the area of historical ordnance remaining from WWI and WWII. The operation provided an ideal opportunity to present both MCM Groups to the media, whilst explaining the importance of our task and operations.The press day was conducted on Thursday 20 May 2010 onboard two SNMCMG1 units; the Flag Ship;ORP Kontradmiral Xawery CZERNICKI; and the Belgian minehunter; BNS ASTER. Full Story

SNMCMG1 Media Day
A media day was conducted onboard two of NATO’s Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) units; the Flagship ORP Kontradmiral Xawery CZERNICKI and the minehunter HNLMS MIDDELBURG, on Tuesday 11th May 2010. It was organized during exercise “Beneficial Cooperation 2010” when SNMCMG1 units were conducting live ordnance disposal operations. The event provided an opportunity to experience a day in the life of a minehunter. The journalists were picked up from Vlissingen harbour and during the transfer journey Commander SNMCMG1, Cdr Krzysztof Rybak gave a short presentation on the history and core business of the Group SNMCMG1 to the press representatives. They were also able to tour the Flag Ship, learning about her facilities and capabilities. The journalists were transferred to HNLMS MIDDELBURG around midday for the mine disposal demonstration and witnessed a spectacular explosion, greatly impressing all. The day was a huge success and enabled SNMCMG1 to increase the awareness of the work that the Group does in making the sea safer for all users.

Over a nine day period between 4 - 12 May 2010 NATO’s Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) participated in live ordnance disposal operations codenamed Beneficial Cooperation 2010 (BC 2010). Although the weather conditions had a huge influence on our mission, 3 minehunters and 1 diver support ship supported by the command platform, located and disposed of 6 individual pieces of underwater explosive ordnance (UXOs) remaining from WWII, further reducing the risk from unexploded bombs and mines the North Sea.SNMCMG1 conducted Beneficial Cooperation 2010 for the second time this year returning to the North Sea in May; the Group’s first involvement was in February 2010. The main focus during BC 2010 was on reducing the risk to both merchant seamen and fishermen  from live ordnance. Mine counter measure vessels were assigned to specific areas, concentrating on locating and disposing of unexploded ordnance. Full Story

SNMCMG1 in Aalborg
After a busy few weeks a port visit to Aalborg, Denmark, gave NATO’s Standing Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) an opportunity to rest and to open the ships to members of the public. The Group visited Aalborg 23 – 26 April 2010. The Group entered Aalborg harbour at 0900 local, Friday 23 April 2010. The Command Ship ORP Kontradmiral Xawery CZERNICKI the first unit to berth, followed by MCMV’s HMS WALNEY, BNS ASTER and HNLMS MIDDELBURG. On behalf of COMSNMCMG1, the Principal Staff Officer, Lieutenant Commander Prideaux McLeod Hattle (RN) called on the Garrison Commander, King Christian IV Guild, Deputy Mayor of Aalborg and Aalborg Naval Association. SNMCMG1 sailors also had an opportunity to participate in the Mayors reception, held in the Old Town Hall, visit the Aalborg Maritime Museum and meet with members of the Aalborg Naval Association. SNMCMG1 conducted a Ship Open to Visitors day 24 April 10, allowing members of the public to visit the Minehunters and the Flag Ship, seeing the ships and their equipment at first hand. The day also allowed the public to meet and talk with a number of sailors who explained what life at sea was like. In total, 670 people visited SNMCMG1 units through the day.All ships departed Aalborg at 10.00am on Monday 26 April and commenced their transit to Den Helder, the Netherlands, where SNMCMG1 will prepare for their involvement in Beneficial Cooperation 2010. For the Group, this will be the second time this year that they have conducted Historical Ordnance Disposal Operations in the vicinity of the Netherlands and Belgium coast, contributing to make the sea a safer place.

FGS Rottweil Joins SNMCMG1
The Dive Support Ship, FGS ROTTWEIL, joined SNMCMG1 alongside in Aalborg, Denmark, on Sunday 25 April 2010 and is now the fifth unit in the Group. She replaces the German minehunter, FGS PASSAU who left the Group on Thursday 22 April 2010 and proceeded back to her home port of Kiel. FGS Rottweil will remain with SNMCMG1 for 8 months. SNMCMG1 continues with their busy programme, which sees them participating in Beneficial Cooperation 2010 at the beginning of May 2010. This will be FGS ROTTWEIL’s first operation as part of the Group.

SNMCMG1 plays her part in Brilliant Mariner 2010
NATO’s Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) took part in Exercise Brilliant Mariner 2010. The Group comprised 13 ships and 3 land Explosive Ordnance Disposal(EOD) Teams, representing 10 NATO countries and 1 Partnership for Peace country. Units conducted Mine Hunting, Mine Sweeping, Countermining Exercises, Asymmetric Exercises as well as contributing to the Recognised Maritime Picture. During the exercise SNMCMG1 was certificated for her role within the NRF 15 organisation. Sailors from Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the USA conducted two huge MCM exercises. The first was an Historical Ordnance Disposal Operations (HOD Ops) between 12 - 17 April 2010 and the second was an Exploratory Operation clearing the approaches to and port of Frederikshavn between 18 - 22 April 2010. During the exercises all units had to defend against both air and surface attacks. HOD Ops proved that all units are well-prepared for the MCM task ahead. During this phase 28 of the 30 exercise mines laid were found by the MCMV’s. Brilliant Mariner 2010 also proved that MCMVs are always ready to conduct real operations. During the second part of the exercise, the Danish minehunter HMDS MAKRELEN found and identified a live mine which was a remnant from WWII. The mine was reported to Danish authorities and will be destroyed making the sea a safer place. In addition, HMDS MAKRELEN also participated in a search and rescue operation, rescuing three crew members from a fishing boat. They were later disembarked at Ebeltoft.

On March 13 representatives of all ships who are currently in SNMCMG1 held a ceremony at Westerplatte in Gdansk. Westerplatte peninsula has the unhappy distinction of being the site of the official start of the Second World War. COMSNMCMG1, Commander Rybak and the Commanding Officers of the other mine hunters laid a wreath at the monument. The ceremony contained a guard of honour provided by the Polish Navy and short prayers were held by Catholic and Evangelical priests. Polish media took the opportunity to interview COMSNMCMG1 and visit the ships. View Pictures 

In the first days of March, Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Group 1 conducted exercises during their transit through the North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat to Copenhagen, Denmark. From Friday 5 to Sunday 7 March 2010; the Group were berthed in Copenhagen preparing for their next challenge – Exercise Basic Unit Training/Advanced Unit Training 2010 (Exercise BUT/AUT 10). COMSNMCMG1 also visited the Mayor of Copenhagen and the Naval Regional Officer Copenhagen.
SNMCMG1 conducting training en-route to Copenhagen during the first days of March. The training is designed to improve interoperability within the group and develop specialist knowledge in various subject fields. Despite the unfavorable weather conditions along our route, training was achieved, such as Communication Exercises, Manoeuvring Exercises and Crosspoll” – the transfer of crew members, by sea boat, between ships whilst underway, in this case in Kattegat. The Flag Ship also had an opportunity to conduct winching operations with a SAR Helicopter from the Royal Danish Navy, allowing the ship to practice her flight deck skills.
SNMCMG1 entered Copenhagen harbour at 0900 local, Friday 5 March 2010, the Command Ship, ORP Kontradmiral Xawery CZERNICKI, the first unit to berth, followed by MCMV’s BNS ASTER, HMS WALNEY and HNLMS MIDDELBURG. The Group were closely followed into harbour by a succession of German units; all of which were present for Exercise BUT/AUT 10. The port visit to Copenhagen was also an opportunity for SNMCMG1 crews to take some well deserved rest and recuperation, enjoying the spectacular sights and culture of the city. COMSNMCMG1 met with the Mayor of Copenhagen and the Naval Regional Officer Copenhagen, thanking them on behalf of the Group for the kind hospitality afforded to SNMCMG1 in the City of Copenhagen.
SNMCMG1 sailed on Monday 08 March at 0900, with 3 German MCMV’s in company, heading for their assigned exercise areas fully prepared for the challenges ahead. View Pictures

At 1000 on Saturday 20 February, the watch officer of SNMCMG1 Flag Ship ORP KONTRADMIRAL XAWERY CZERNICKI noticed an unusual object drifting approximately 420 metres from her. Navigation charts did not show any likely objects in the area and concerned for the safety of shipping a team was dispatched by sea boat to investigate. The object turned out to be a hydrographic buoy valued over 20,000 Euros which is used to measure wave height and strength. The Navigation Officer contacted the owners by phone; using a phone number stenciled on the buoy. It was then
discovered that the Flemish Hydrographical Institute in Oostende (Belgium) were the owners of the buoy, which had drifted almost 50 nautical miles from its original anchored position. The buoy was returned to the Belgium institute one week later, on Saturday 27 February, during the SNMCMG1 port visit to Den Helder, The Netherlands. View pictures

February was an exciting month for Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1, the force having just finished their first operation in 2010 – “BENEFICIAL COOPERATION”. The period was both busy and extremely productive with the Minehunters of the Group locating and disposing of 14 individual pieces of underwater explosive ordnance (UXOs) remaining from WWII, whilst making this area of the North Sea safer for mariners working and transiting the area. Press Release / View pictures

Vice Admiral Hans-Jochen WITTHAUER (GER–N), DCOM MCC Northwood, Rear Admiral Nils WANG, Admiral Danish Fleet and Vice Admiral Andrzej KARWETA, Polish Navy Commander-In-Chief attended the ceremony.
The 2010 SNMCMG1 schedule includes Live Mine Clearance Operations in the Baltic and the North Sea as well as participation in several exercises including the NRF Live Exercise.
Vice Admiral Hans-Jochen WITTHAUER (GER–N), DCOM MCC Northwood, Rear Admiral Nils WANG, Admiral Danish Fleet and Vice Admiral Andrzej KARWETA, Polish Navy Commander-In-Chief attended the ceremony.
The 2010 SNMCMG1 schedule includes Live Mine Clearance Operations in the Baltic and the North Sea as well as participation in several exercises including the NRF Live Exercise. View Pictures