Naval forces from the United States, Germany, and Norway conducted joint warfare drills in the Barents Sea and engaged in undersea activities.
According to the Royal Norwegian Navy, the frigate HNoMS Thor Heyerdahl (F314) joined the German Navy Sachsen-class frigate FGS Hamburg (F220) and U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers USS Mahan (DDG 72) and USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) on a combined mission above the Arctic Circle. The exercise focused on coordinated reconnaissance and submarine-hunting operations.
Destroyer Squadron Two, part of Carrier Strike Group 12, participated as part of its scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet. The Navy said the drills enhance “the warfighting effectiveness, lethality and readiness of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and defend U.S., Allied and partner interests in the region.”
The Barents Sea has become a flashpoint, for Norway, Germany, and the United States, the training demonstrated allied readiness and provided a venue to refine anti-submarine tactics. The participating warships integrated sonar, surveillance, and strike capabilities to track potential threats in contested waters.
