NATO flagship executes multi-threat live firing scenario successfully

: Posted On Wednesday, 14 March 2012 09:36

World Naval Forces News - NATO

NATO flagship executes multi-threat live firing scenario successfully

Story by Master Chief Petty Officer Giovanni Malafronte

HNLMS De Ruyter recently tested her capabilities in a training scenario which offered similarities with the threats warships have to be prepared to deal with in the current security climate - a mix of low and high spectrum violence.

In the early morning of March 7, HNLMS De Ruyter arrived in a patrol box north of Crete, Greece. As part of the scenario the ship had been provided with complex intelligence indicating that an illegal consignment of weapons would be protected by two fighters equipped with air to surface missiles. HNLMS de Ruyter took all precautions to prevent this misuse of the free and open sea and crew and systems were placed on high alert.

“This multi-threat scenario is an excellent training opportunity to maintain our readiness. All conditions are set to test and verify new tactics, procedures and techniques.” explained Commodore Ben Bekkering during the exercise. He and his international NATO staff are currently embarked on HNLMS de Ruyter from where he commands the NATO Response Force Standing NATO Maritime Group 1.

HNLMS De Ruyter recently tested her capabilities in a training scenario which offered similarities with the threats warships have to be prepared to deal with in the current security climate - a mix of low and high spectrum violence.

HNMLS De Ruyter launches a missile during live training in the Mediterranean Sea.
(Picture: NATO/GERBEN VAN ES)

“The scenario escalated in such a way as to allow us to use our main gun and small arms,” said Lt. Cmdr. Marianne van der Kruijs, SNMG1 public affairs officer. “Not much later the radars detected an incoming fighter. After missile release HNLMS de Ruyter engaged the fighter with her medium range Surface to Air Standard Missile 2 and distracted the incoming missile with her decoy launching system. All threats were averted. A last attempt to attack with a low slow flyer was taken out by the goalkeeper close in weapon system”.

“All threats were encountered successfully,” commanding officer of HNLMS de Ruyter, Cmdr. Sebo Hofkamp concluded: “Today we have proven our capability and strengthened our confidence in procedures, equipment and each other.”