NATO Massive submarine exercises in Mediterranean

NATO has begun in the Mediterranean Sea a massive anti- submarine exercise. Operation off the coast of Sicily has become even more urgent because of threats to the alliance, while conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have extended to the Black Sea with attacks between Russia and Ukraine, as well as at the Red Sea, with ship attacks by rebels on the ground.

Helicopters stood on the sea as a large submarine slowly left the sea near Catanias, in Sicily and several navy ships monitored the operation.

On board the command ship, US counteradmiral Thomas Wall, commander of NATO submarine units, appeared to have spoke to reporters to secure European allies, in a period when Republican candidate Donald Trump has questioned the United States' commitment to protecting allied countries.

Not only are we doing this great exercise, but our marine units are also working together on all fronts. For decades, NATO's largest training has been under way in the North Atlantic. In the naval plan, we just fulfilled the part of the fighter fire, a clear demonstration of our transatlantic unity and power”, said counteradmiral Wall.

Former President Trump has said that if he returns to the White House, he would not protect NATO countries that do not meet defence expenses. His comments prompted alarms in Europe.

Seven NATO submarines from Greece, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the United States participate in complex exercises off the coast of Sicily.

Marine tools participating in the “Dynamic Manta 24” exercise exchange roles by tracking each other as they are closely co-ordinated with air and sea vehicles to improve their capabilities in the sea fighting.

The main goal is to prepare NATO's crews to adapt and respond to any threat coming from the submarine.

Today we face the most dangerous and unpredictable security environment in decades. The underwater dimension is essential to sea safety. It is not yet well explored but vital to all countries around the Mediterranean Sea”, said Alberto Tarabotto, commander of the Italian Navy.

Submarines operate under the direction of the NATO Submarine Command and are assisted by aircraft for sea patrols from Canada, Germany, Greece, Turkey, Britain and the United States, as well as by the 2nd NATO Marine Group naval means commanded by Italian counteradmiraller Pasquale Esposito.

The “is a drill that focuses on a form of battle with threats coming from underwater vehicles”, said the anti-admiral Esposito.

The Italian Navy is an organiser of the exercise and offers logistical support from the naval base in Augusta, from the port of Catania and the air base in Sigonella. Italy participates in drills with frigate Carlos Margottini, the Morosini frigate leading NATO's Second Marine Group, two submarines and two helicopters. The exercise will continue until March 8th. /voa/