NATO exercise Dynamic Move 2019, organised by the Command of Mine Countermeasure Forces (MARICODRAG), started last Monday at the La Spezia naval base. MARICODRAG specialists have been operating side by side with over 60 naval personnel from many other countries including US, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Greece, UK, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey and Algeria.

Dynamic Move is a CAX/CPX (Computer Assisted eXercise/Command Post eXercise). It is one of the most important NATO mine warfare exercises, aimed at training Command Staff capabilities. Cutting-edge software modules enable the three-dimensional simulation of multiple mine warfare scenarios in complex environments varying in terms of climate, logistics and operating conditions, in order to re-create reality as faithfully as possible.

This major training opportunity is also a preliminary stage for incoming command staff for Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Groups One and Two (SNMCMG1 and SNMCMG2) as part of their certification process to join NATO Response Forces (NRF). At its second edition in Italy, Dynamic Move consists of two parts. The first part is conducted at the Ecole de Guerre des Mines (Naval Mine Warfare School) in Oostende, Belgium (EGUERMIN), and the second at MARICODRAG, La Spezia.

This year, the main training audience includes staff of two CTFs, two CTGs and 4 CTUs, with participation of personnel of CTG SNMCMG2.

In the course of the exercise, a MARICENDRAG-led training module will be delivered to NATO flagship and task group minehunters focusing both on damage control (at MARICODRAG fire-fighting station) and operational activities to be performed both ashore and afloat.

During his opening speech, rear admiral Davide Berna, MARICODRAG Commander, has thanked and praised all Command Staff for participating in the exercise. Commander Jesus Otero, on behalf of NATO Maritime Commander (MARCOM), highlighted the significance of this opportunity of collective development and team building for skilled personnel from NATO Navies, wishing for growing participation and involvement of all Mediterranean countries.