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Specialist divers are involved in a multinational explosive ordnance disposal – EOD – exercise hosted by Latvia, operating closely alongside the hosts and teams of experts from Estonia, Lithuania, Germany, Belgium, Canada and the United States.
Delta Squadron of the Diving and Threat Exploitation Group safely recovered two ground mines and one torpedo two days into the exercise, already increasing the safety of the region.
Chief Petty Officer James Roberts said: “The aim is to continue our close working relationships and to make the sea lanes safer by identifying and disposing of historic maritime explosive ordnance, much of which is a legacy of WWII.
“All nations are working together, contributing to the planning, identification, confirmation and recovery of explosive ordnance, building operational capability and increasing the ability to operate as a coherent task group.”
The aim of the exercise – codenamed Open Spirit – is to clear the Baltic Sea from sea mines, torpedoes, and other explosive remains from both World Wars and the Cold War. The Baltic was the scene of heavy fighting during these conflicts and were heavily mined, while air bombardments, naval gunfire and submarine warfare only added to the ordnance lying on the seabed.
(Image: Royal Navy)
The dangerous ordnance is hunted using cutting-edge autonomous underwater vehicles – submarine robots packed with the latest sensors that creates images of the underwater objects. Each piece of ordnance removed, and every inch of the seabed mapped, ultimately makes the region safer and helps the Baltic nations understand their own backyard – ensuring they are able to spot changes if new mines are laid.
CPO Roberts added: “From the most junior seamen to senior operators, working closely with our partners and allies demonstrates the resolve and commitment of the UK and all NATO to regional Baltic security and the principles of collective defence.
“It’s fantastic to be working with our friends in the Baltic again, this constant drumbeat of exercise allows real relationships to grow, bound by our shared values, stronger together and ready to defeat aggression.”
Exercise Open Spirit has taken place since 1997 and rotates between Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
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