British warriors lead the way in Nato’s Arctic war game
BY land, sea and in the air, British forces played their part in the biggest military exercise in
Norway since the end of the Coldwar.
More than 3,000 sailors and Royal Marines joined 27,000 counterparts from 24 Nato countries in the Coldwarrior 22 war game.
The two-week exercise allowed the Royal Navy to demonstrate some of its unique capabilities, from launching commando raids from submarines to operating a fifth-generation aircraft carrier in sub-zero conditions for the first time.
Lieutenant Commander Tom Nason said the exercise had been “an outstanding demonstration of not only our integration with Nato partners but also the ability of Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary units to work together”.
The Royal Navy’s biggest warship, aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, led the group, demonstrating her ability to act as Nato command ship.
Captain Steve Higham said: “Sailors on the
Prince ofwales are continuing to learn the skills and build the experience that allow the Royal Navy to push the boundaries of UK carrier operations in the cold, harsh environment.”
Divers from minehunter HMS Grimsby plunged into the icy fjords to neutralise devices. Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters were deployed over land for the first time, using their Seaspray radar to locate land targets. Merlin choppers ferried Royal Marines, equipment and supplies around the exercise.
Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, who visited personnel on the ground and HMS Prince ofwales, said: “I congratulate all those from across the services who have achieved so much in the Arctic over recent weeks.
“Having visited the exercise myself I can testify to the challenging conditions and their utmost professionalism and good humour.”