NATO’s Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercise Underway

NATO exercise Dynamic Manta (DYMA22) began off the Sicilian coast. Ships, submarines, as well as aircraft and personnel from nine Allied nations converged in the Central Mediterranean Sea for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare training.

Dynamic Manta is a planned NATO exercise that occurs every year in Italy.

The aim of DYMA22 is to provide participants with complex and challenging warfare training to enhance their interoperability and proficiency in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare disciplines while maintaining focus on safety.

As the host nation, Italy is providing support in the Catania, Augusta and Siracusa harbour, naval helicopter base in Catania, Naval Air Station Sigonella, Trapani Air Base as well as logistical support (refueling operations, medical assistance and personnel accommodation) from Augusta naval base.

Submarines from France, Greece, and Italy joined surface ships from Canada, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, U.K. and the U.S. for the exercise. Maritime patrol aircraft from Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, U.K. and the U.S. support the simulated, multi-threat environment during the exercise.

Each surface ship has the opportunity to conduct a variety of submarine warfare operations. The submarines take turns hunting and being hunted, closely coordinating their efforts with the air and surface participants.

Dynamic Manta is one of the two major Anti-submarine warfare exercises led every year by NATO Maritime Command.

“NATO’s maritime power lies in the ability of the Standing Forces to rapidly join with high readiness, high-capacity national forces to deliver effects when and where needed,” said U.S. Navy, Rear Admiral Stephen Mack, Commander Submarines NATO. “Exercises like this, along with regular training between Allied navy units and our multinational Standing Naval Forces, is a force multiplier that provides a collectively trained and interoperable force, ready to work together as the maritime portion of the VJTF [Very High Joint Readiness Task Force].”