Operators from the Formoz Military Unit together with soldiers from the U.S. Navy SEALs occupied the USS ship "Mount Whitney", which took on the function of a ship from the shadow fleet. The abolition at Ustka was part of the global “Baltops 25” exercise, which has been conducted in the Baltic for respective days.
190 m long, nearly 33 m wide, displacement of 18.5 1000 tons and a civilian-military crew that has more than 600 people – USS “Mount Whitney”Even with its size, it is impressive. In fresh days, the flagship of the 6th United States Fleet appeared at the tallness of the Polish coast, and yesterday it was assigned an different task. He became a associate of so-called shadow fleet. Under this term, there is an armada of oil tankers that export oil from Russia under sanctions. In fresh times, these vessels have besides damaged the marine critical infrastructure on respective occasions, which, according to experts, may have been a targeted action against the western economy. NATO is doing a lot to prevent akin events, and hypothetical scenarios related to the shadow fleet become part of different types of exercises – even if they have lasted since early June "Baltops '25" manoeuvres.
– On Monday, we trained an operation involving soldiers. Formoz Military Unit And the U.S. Navy SEALs peculiar unit. Their task was to master the deck of the USS "Mount Whitney" – says Colonel Mariusz Łapeta, spokesperson for peculiar Forces Headquarters. The specials on the action set off on 3 helicopters – 2 Mi-17 from the Air peculiar Operations Unit, as well as SH-60, which is stationed on an American ship all day. According to the first assumptions, they were to be assisted by operators in RHIB boats. In the end, however, due to the advanced wave of their start from the camp in Ustka was cancelled.
Upon reaching their destination, the helicopters stood in a suspension, and the specials left them on ropes straight aboard the ship. Then they took over the bridge and the ship's gym. That's how they disabled the unit. The next step was to search it – explains Col. According to soldiers who had the chance to carry out this kind of task, it is 1 of the most hard elements of boarding operations. It requires the smooth movement of narrow corridors, rooms and passageways. In specified an environment, it is easier for an opponent to hide, but besides to attack suddenly. The time for a possible reaction sometimes closes in fractions of seconds.
But before the specialists entered the action, the crew of 1 of the Polish Mi-17 had their hands full. PJOS airmen practiced takeoffs and landings aboard “Mount Whitney”. The aim was to get acquainted with the landing ground, procedures, establish cooperation with the crew, in a word – to gain qualifications that would let for safe operations from the Blue Ridge class ships in the future. That's what happened. “This is simply a evidence to the excellent teamwork and professionalism of both Polish flight crew and our team,” commented kmdr Colin Price, commander of the USS “Mount Whitney”. "With specified exercises we build common trust, increase interoperability and strengthen our ability to work together seamlessly to guarantee safety in the Baltic Sea region," he added.
"Baltops" is the largest NATO naval exercise in the Baltic Sea. The past of these maneuvers dates back to the 1970s. They are presently led by the 6th U.S. Fleet and STRIKFORNATO, an allied command liable for naval strike-expedition and landing forces. This year's edition is attended by nearly 50 ships, respective twelve aircraft and almost 9,000 soldiers from 17 countries. In the Baltic, in addition to Mount Whitney, the U.S. destroyer Paul Ignatius, the German FGS frigate Bayern, and the Natovian ships are operating. SNMCMG1 antimine syndrome. The Polish Navy sent 4 ships to exercise: a frigate ORP “Gen. T. Kościuszko”Corvette ORP ‘Kashub’ and 2 trawlers – ORP “Mami” and ORP “Nakło”. They are accompanied by a SH-2G naval helicopter. The exercise script includes, among another things, episodes related to search and combat of submarines, resisting air strikes and destroying minesteads.
There'll be a lot going on on land, too. Soon, for example, close Ustka, a training landing operation will be conducted by paratroopers from the 6th Airborne Brigade, while HIMARS launchers from the American Marines will be fired from the close range. There too, a component separated from Marine Rocket Unit. From the Ustka area, JTAC operators will yet guide the MQ-9 Reaper drones, which are intended to destruct unmanned marines threatening critical infrastructure. “This year’s “Baltops” is more than just an exercise. It is simply a demonstration of the determination, adaptability and naval strength of our Alliance – he spoke just before the ships went to sea viceadm. Jeffrey T. Anderson, Commander of the 6th United States Fleet. The maneuvers will last until June 20.
