Recent ‘X’s (formerly tweets) of interest
6 Dec 2023 - Click on the linked dates to see all associated photos and videos.
Commander UK Mine Countermeasures Force (COMUKMCMFOR)
29 Nov 2023 - “Introducing the new Commander in theatre for the UK Mine Countermeasures Force. After a successful handover from White Watch, Cdr Matt Ellicott hopes to have a successful deployment embarked in RFA CARDIGAN BAY, leading our Mine Warfare Units on operations in the Arabian Gulf.”
NATO Maritime Command
23 Nov 2023 - “SNMCMG1 destroyed 16 World War I and II-era sea mines during historical ordnance disposal operations in 🇪🇪 Estonian territorial waters in cooperation with the Estonian Navy.”
15 Nov 2023 - “NATO’s Naval Alliance in action during major maritime Exercise DYNAMIC MARINER. The exercise successfully certified the Italian Navy as the NATO Response Force (Maritime) for 2024.”
6 Nov 2023 - “Last week, Commander MARCOM, VAdm Mike Utley, welcomed Commander of the Finnish Navy, Rear Adm. Jori Harju to MARCOM HQ. During the visit, they discussed the approaches of the Finnish Navy and MARCOM in Critical Undersea Infrastructure (CUI) related issues.”
1 Nov 2023 - “Historic ordnance clearance operations by SNMCMG1 and SNMCMG2. NATO ships work together to find old, unexploded mines & bombs, and dispose of them to secure freedom of navigation for modern ships.”
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet
5 Dec 2023 - “Ready, Set, Dive! Seabee Divers from UCT 1 conduct pre-dive checks in Rota, Spain. On mission with the U.S. 6th Fleet to defend U.S. and allied interests.”
Merivoimat - Finska Marinen - The Finnish Navy
28 Nov 2023 - “ Operating in freezing waters and severe weather conditions – our speciality! Explosive Ordnance Disposal Divers are an integral part of maritime mine countermeasures capability to protect underwater infrastructure and ensure the safety in the Baltic Sea region.”
22 Nov 2023 - “EUBG24, together with US Navy EOD divers, is enhancing its maritime capabilities in the Baltic Sea region. Multinational joint exercises like FREEZING WINDS 23 function like an oil change for the military alliance engine – reducing friction and increasing power output.”
MOD Estonia
27 Nov 2023 - “Disposing old mines in the Gulf of Narva was a team effort by NATO's minehunters. So were these behind-the-scenes pics by navies.”
COM SNMCMG1 (Commander Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1)
4 Dec 2023 - “There is no such a thing as too much training. Only through continuous cooperation and improvement of our skills we are able to carry out our tasks at the highest level. By joint exercises, we get to know each other, which is the key to success in an international environment.”
1 Dec 2023 - “The first Finnish-led maritime exercise FREEZING WINDS 23 came to an end. It was conducted in the Gulf of Finland, Archipelago Sea, and off the southern coast of Finland.”
#SNMCMG1 participated in the ex. together with around 4,000 personnel from allied and partners countries
26 Nov 2023 - “During FREEZING WINDS 23, among thousands of islands of Archipelago Sea, SNMCMG1 is training force porotection procedures to maximize the ability to disrupt unpredictable attacks, provide the earliest possible warning, and ensure the best protection when threats occur.”
20 Nov 2023 - “FREEZING WINDS 23 kicks off today in Turku. For the next two weeks SNMCMG1 vessels will conduct naval operation together with allies. Exercise will geather more than 4000 personnel.”
19 Nov 2023 - “Five minehunters, two minesweepers and divers covered an area of more than 22 sq. nautical miles off the coast of Estonia and classified 228 as mine-like objects. Finally, 16 of them were positively identified as historical mines and neutralized during ESTHODOPS.”
17 Nov 2023 - “All ships, all ships‼️ SNMCMG1 will show you how we are dealing with post-war ordnance in the Baltic Sea region. During ESTHODOPS we neutralised ordnance from WWI and WWII. Check out the movie from disposal of torpedo executed by minehunter HNLMS Vlaardingen.”
12 Nov 2023 - “Last days SNMCMG1 ships were hosted in Tallinn. Now our task group is strengthened by allied minehunters from Estonia & Lithuania to conduct MCM operations - ESTHODOPS off the coast of Estonia. We are eager and determined to neutralise some underwater post-war leftovers!!”
11 Nov 2023 - “Happy Independence Day, Poland‼️ 11th November marks the 105th Anniversary of regaining Independence by Poland. Polish-led multinational task group SNMCMG1 commemorated together that important day at sea. Best wishes to all our nationals at sea, in country and around the world.”
4 Nov 2023 - “SNMCMG1 flagship Polish Navy ORP Czernicki transits through Kiel Canal en route to the Baltic Sea Region during multi-domain vigilance activity NEPTUNE STRIKE 23.3. NATO vessels regularly patrol critical sea routes to ensure freedom of navigation.”
COM SNMCMG2 (Commander Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2)
4 Dec 2023 - “SNMCMG2 is not only training: during port visit staff and crew members has the chance to share cultures, having good moments and fostering relationship.”
Team building makes our work easier and leads to better results!
28 Nov 2023 - “Inside MCM Ops 04: Very Shallow Water operations are clearance activities conducted by divers in superficial areas where minehunters cannot operate due to small depth. In case of discovery, devices are removed and neutralised.”
27 Nov 2023 - “A very warm welcome from all SNMCMG2 Units to minehunter HS EVROPI of the Greek Navy. Our Greek Allies and Friends joined Task Group 441.04 to participate in the Turkish-led exercise NUSRET 23.
Eager to train together!”
24 Nov 2023 - “Exercise DOGU AKDENIZ 23 was an invaluable context for SNMCMG2 to show interoperability among ships & diving teams from different nations in mine countermeasures operations. Thanks to the Turkish Ministry of Defence and the Turkish Navy for the great support provided!”
23 Nov 2023 - “ITS Stromboli, ESPS Tambre and ESPS Patiño had the great opportunity in training together. SNMG2 and SNMCMG2 actively cooperate to ensure the freedom of navigation in the Mediterranean Sea.”
22 Nov 2023 - “SNMCMG2 Units are participating in Turkish Exercise DOGU AKDENIZ 23. An excellent opportunity to train together in a challenging environment with our Allies and Friends!”
21 Nov 2023 - “Inside MCM ops 03: floating mine response exercise simulates a mine detected on sea lines of communication and allows training and testing procedures to neutralize it. Drifting mines are outlawed. SNMCMG2 ensures freedom of navigation.”
20 Nov 2023 - “Preserving freedom of navigation is our mission.
Monitoring seabed is our job.
Observing the wonder of the sea is our privilege.”
19 Nov 2023 - “SNMCMG2 left from Aksaz for Exercise DOGU AKDENIZ 23, after welcoming friends of TCG Erdemli in the Task Group. During port visit courtesy call was paid to COMTURMARFOR, R.Adm (UH) Huseyin Tigli, fostering our relations with our allies.”
16 Nov 2023 - “Inside MCM ops 02: Leadthrough consists of guiding vessels along cleared channels through mined areas, allowing them to safely enter/exit from ports. Leadthrough can be conducted by MCM units in support of military and civilian ships.”
15 Nov 2023 - “SNMCMG2 departed from Souda Bay after a 3-days logistic stop. Personnel from Stromboli, Gaeta & Tambre attended the Maritime Interdiction Operations course at NMIOTC. Crews also had the chance to compete in the Task Group Padel contest!”
14 Nov 2023 - “SNMCMG2 was honored to receive onboard flagship , ITS Stromboli, the Force Commander of SNMG2, Cdre. Stroude. A great opportunity to discuss lessons learned and results achieved until now, and the future interactions as well. Thank you so much, Sir!”
11 Nov 2023 - “INSIDE MCM OPS: dummy mines allow a safely simulation of minelaying and following minehunting operations. At the end, dummy mines are recovered by divers. A very useful tool to prepare SNMCMG2 in clearing the seas!”
9 Nov 2023 - “After a 3-days logistic stop in Naples, SNMCMG2 departed for the next activities. Thank you for the warm welcome, the excellent food and the wonderful city life! We hope to come back to your city soon!”
8 Nov 2023 - “DYNAMIC MARINER MARE APERTO was an invaluable opportunity for SNMCMG2 🇮🇹🇪🇸🇫🇷🇭🇷 units to prove their capabilities. Taking advantage of this experience, we look forward to incoming challenges.”
5 Nov 2023 - “Last day in SNMCMG2 for FS Capricorne. The whole Task Group wants to thank our French Allies and Friends for the excellent job done during DYNAMIC MARINER MARE APERTO. We hope to meet you again soon: fair winds and following seas!”
4 Nov 2023 - “Much of the modern history of the Italian Navy in one picture! SNMCMG2 flagship, ITS Stromboli🇮🇹 and ITS Garibaldi🇮🇹 engaged in refueling at sea during DYNAMIC MARINER MARE APERTO. A tribute to Italian National Unity and Armed Forces day!”
4 Nov 2023 - “In the Italian National Unity and Armed Forces Day, Force Commander of SNMCMG2 and the whole deployment celebrate together with their brother in arms!”
3 Nov 2023 - “SNMCMG2 interaction with STRIKFORNATO during DYNAMIC MARINER MARE APERTO concluded today with a refueling at sea between ITS Stromboli and ESPS Numancia. Fair winds and following seas to our Spanish Allies and Friends!”
2 Nov 2023 - “During DYNAMIC MARINER MARE APERTO exercise SNMCMG2 units had the opportunity to interact with STRIKFORNATO Juan Carlos I and Numancia, involved in NEPTUNE STRIKE 23-3 conducting leadthrough and boarding ops. A fruitful day of training!”
1 Nov 2023 - “After two days in Cagliari, SNMCMG2 units with minehunters Alghero & Chioggia departed for the second phase of DYNAMIC MARINER MARE APERTO exercise. Pleased to be at sea to train together again!”
HMS CATTISTOCK (MCM2 Crew 1)
15 Nov 2023 - “Crew 1 Curry night is no ordinary Curry night…”
13 Nov 2023 - “Cattistock was alongside in Poole this weekend and paraded through her affiliated home town port visit as part of Remembrance Sunday. BCP Council thanks for having us!”
RNLI Poole Lifeboats
11 Nov 2023 - “Poole RNLI volunteers were welcomed aboard HMS Cattistock earlier this evening (11 November).
Our volunteers stepped aboard and were given a guided tour and discussed various capabilities and equipment carried onboard. More pics on our Facebook page.”
10 Nov 2023 - “Our Clearance Diving team training this week. Great to have HMS Ledbury & RN DTXG Divers supporting before we returning to UK operations in support of homeland defence.”
HMS HURWORTH (MCM2 Crew 4)
28 Nov 2023 - “Fantastic day conducting Nav Training with HMS ALBION bridge team. Thank you HMS RANGER for allowing us the opportunity.”
14 Nov 2023 - “It’s important to award those who dedicate themselves to strive for excellence. Sailor of the month was awarded by the Commanding Officer to AB(D) Taylor for his outstanding work ethic.”
HMS LEDBURY (MCM2 Crew 3)
27 Nov 2023 - “Team MineWarfare assemble! Last week, the community from across the Royal Navy came together to:
Learn about future developments, particularly with Uncrewed Systems.
Catch-up with our oppos.
Recognise our fantastic sailors.”
26 Nov 2023 - “On day 3 it's freezing outside but in HMS Hurworth it's hot. Our Firefighting training has gone up a notch in complexity and now includes casualties and smoke clearance. We must be self-sufficient and able to deal with any incident without support.”
25 Nov 2023 - “Cruise' to simulate going to sea. Our aim:
Transition from Harbour to Sea Routines.
Prove the Watch and Station Bill.
Respond to emergencies, such as Mariner Overboard.”
24 Nov 2023 - “To prepare for our return to sea next year, we have embarked in HMS Hurworth for a weekend of harbour training.
Day 1:
How to live and work on board safely.
Basic Firefighting techniques.
Remember how to be a sailor.”
12 Nov 2023 - “Honoured to be in Ledbury to participate in Remembrance Day 2023. We marked our visit with a presentation of our Ship's badge to the Ledbury Poppy Legion.”
HMS PENZANCE (MCM1 Crew 1)
12 Nov 2023 - “We had the honour and privilege of taking part in the Oban Armistice Day Parade today. The Ship’s Company were honoured to form a central part of the parade to commemorate 100 years of the memorial in Oban.”
9 Nov 2023 - “Over the past two days we’ve made our way round the Mull of Kintyre, through the Sound of Islay and the Sound of Mull. Penzance is now looking forward to participating in Remembrance weekend in Oban representing the Royal Navy at the parade in town.”
Mine & Threat Exploitation Group (MTXG)
12 Nov 2023 - “Honoured to be in Inverness to participate in Remembrance Day 2023. MTXG staff attended services across Inverness including ceremonies at the Commonwealth War Graves and Cenotaph.”
Penny Mordaunt MP
25 Nov 2023 - “Honoured to have attended, addressed and sung sea shanties at the Minewarfare & Clearance Diving Officers Association. Very special people who have done and are doing some phenomenal things in the service of our nation.”
Project Vernon
26 Nov 2023 - “A cracking night for the Royal Navy's Mine Warfare branch last Thursday.”
Forces News
14 Nov 2023 - “Royal Navy divers and submariners have received a prestigious award for carrying out crucial repairs on a hunter-killer submarine. Whilst working they had no natural ventilation or lighting and a maximum headroom of just one metre.”
Navy Lookout
23 Nov 2023 - “HMS Cattistock outbound from Portsmouth today.”
21 Nov 2023 - “Romanian minehunter Sublocotenent Ion Ghiculescu (Ex-HMS Blyth) sailed from Rosyth last week following conversion work at Babcock plc. Now heading for the Black Sea and expected to arrive in Constanța where she will join the 146th Mining/Demining Division.”
14 Nov 2023 - “Rear Admiral Stephen Moorhouse rightly points out the RN's success in forward deploying and sustaining frigate in the Gulf, MCMVs and Batch II OPVs overseas. Also one of the few navies that could send a Carrier Strike Group across the globe during COVID with very little host nation support.”
UK Defence Journal
27 Nov 2023 - “HMS Penzance, a minehunter, was the scene of multiple arrests whilst docked in Dublin after a small group of activists appeared at the vessel to protest non-existent British weapon flights. Click to read more.”
Steve A Wenham
30 Nov 2023 - “HMS Cattistock seen arriving back at Portsmouth this afternoon.”
29 Nov 2023 - “Do you remember before the shops....?”
28 Nov 2023 - “HMS Brocklesby.”
27 Nov 2023 - “HMS Cattistock seen outbound this morning.”
20 Nov 2023 - “HMS Cattistock outbound this morning.”
Southsea Sailor
1 Dec 2023 - “Great evening spent with the winning Crew (1) of HMS Cattistock and deserved winners of the Engineering Excellence award! Many thanks to BAES Maritime for hosting!”