The patrolling of the confederate Baltic shipping routes and a series of exercises related, for example, to the replenishment of stocks at sea, the shooting of small-caliber artillery, and the search for mines – that is how the first weeks of the SNMCMG1 team's mission passed. Since January he has been operating under Polish command.
SNMCMG1 is simply a mine defence team, 1 of NATO's 4 permanent ship teams. It operates primarily in northern Europe. From 8 January It's led by Lieutenant Casper Sterne.Officer 8th Coast Defence Fleet. It is supported by a multi-national staff composed mainly of Poles, who in addition was located on board a Polish ship ORP ‘Contradmiral Xavery Czernicki’. All our sailors form a contingent called PKW “Czernicki 2026”.
The squad has had its first weeks of mission. As sailors say – industrious. “We have mostly missed patrolling shipping routes as part of the mission “Baltic Sentry“, exercises to increase our abilities, as well as many interior trainings aimed at expanding the interoperability of the ships of the team,” says Mr Sterne.
The crews of the Natovian ships monitored the movement of vessels in the Baltic Sea, recognizing among them individuals possibly belonging to the alleged Shadow fleets. “When we encountered specified ships, in agreement with CTF Baltic Command in accordance with the applicable procedure, we contacted them on the radio, seeking to establish their appropriate name, way and cargo,” said Mr. Rafał Duszewski, associate of the staff and deputy commander of the Polish contingent. Captains of these units frequently keyed, sometimes ignored attempts to make contact. Reports of the situation at sea from the "Czernicki" board went straight to CTF-Baltic – the fresh NATO command based in Rostock. It is in charge of Operation Baltic Sentry. The data collected during the mission is then analysed. They may service as a basis for sanctioning further vessels transporting Russian oil.
– In the first weeks, we besides spent quite a few time playing the band. The aim is to improve and harmonise procedures in the fields of communication, reporting and joint manoeuvring of individuals in order to increase their interoperability and the effectiveness of their interaction," explained Mr Duszewski. At the same time, the crew trained the procedures related to replenishment at sea. – ORP “Czernicki” is not only a command platform, but besides a logistics unit. In the tanks on board, he transports a large amount of fuel and water, which he can aid smaller ships if necessary," explains Captain Łukasz Koziarski, SNMCMG1 spokesman. What's more, he can do it without anchoring.
The ship, which needs fuel, sets behind the “Czernicki” stern and begins to follow its course. The fuel line is then transferred to a smaller unit and connected. erstwhile everything is ready, the sailors from “Czernicki” unscrew the valves and the hose starts to flow fuel. The full procedure is determined by the English phrase RAS (Replenishment at Sea). At sea “Czernicki” collaborated with German mine destroyer FGS “Fulda”. The crews of these 2 units besides trained to transfer the alleged light materials to the side. Then the units align with each other, follow the same course, and between the decks are moved the moors to which you can attach the tray, for example with documents.
Meanwhile, the squad practiced not only in global waters, but besides at a training ground close the banks of Denmark. There, from the "Czernicki" deck were shot with small-caliber ship artillery. The mark was shielded at sea. specified weapons are utilized to defend the ship from asymmetric hazards, for example from attackers who usage fast motorboats. On the Danish camp, the sailors besides conducted a search for exercise mines.
On the mission, the squad set off from the port of Riga. Then he wrapped up in Kilonia and left Copenhagen today. Meetings with representatives of local military and civilian authorities or representatives of diplomatic corps of another states were planned at each of these ports. Missions always have a diplomatic dimension. The ships present the NATO flag and show the Alliance's presence. They show that it is united and ready to act – explains Capt. Mar. Koziary. A kmdr Lt. Sterne summarizes: "The first weeks of our activities are positive. We started the mission without major problems. But now we have bigger challenges. The squad is joined by further ships, including late Dutch HNLMS ‘Schiedam’. Maintaining advanced readiness for action requires quite a few training and repetition of procedures. shortly we will be taking part in the first major exercises, which will surely be a key test of our staff in carrying out tasks in global structures.
SNMCMG1 under Polish command will operate until the end of June.