Polish submarine ORP Sep – © NATO

On 23rd May the NATO submarine rescue Exercise Dynamic Monarch 2014 concluded in Gdynia, Poland, after eleven days of intense and realistic multinational training.

HSwMS Haland – © NATO

Expertly hosted by Poland and conducted near Naval Base Gdynia, the exercise involved 18 nations providing seven ships, three submarines, helicopters, the NATO Submarine Rescue System, divers, medical personnel, and observers.

Dynamic Monarch tested international forces’ ability to respond to emergency situations involving a submerged, distressed submarine. The capability is vital for it enables the navies to be able to respond to the rare emergency and it provides for the everyday submariner and his family peace of mind that if a submarine were to become disabled rescue capability to save the ship’s company would be trained and available.

From The Netherlands, HNLMS Bruinvis – © NATO

HNLMS Bruinvis ballasting – © NATO