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Home : Media : News
NEWS | Aug. 8, 2019

NSWC Panama City supports mine warfare mission at BALTOPS 2019

By Katherine Mapp NSWC PCD Public Affairs

Mine warfare experts from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) recently supported the annual multinational exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) in the Baltic Sea region.

BALTOPS is designed to improve training for participants, enhance flexibility and interoperability, and demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces in defending the Baltic Sea region. The exercise involves maritime, ground, and air forces to strengthen combined response capabilities necessary to ensure regional stability.

Andy Stubblefield, NSWC PCD Integrated Mine Countermeasures (MCM) tactics subject matter expert (SME), and other NSWC PCD SMEs provided tactical and technical support to Mine Countermeasures (MCMDIV) 31, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8, and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 during the exercise. Overall support included providing MCM planning and evaluation support to the MCMDIV 31 and EODMU 8 staffs, and AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System and AN/ASQ-235 Airborne Mine Neutralization System technical support to HSC-28.

According to Stubblefield, participating in training exercises such as BALTOPS is a benefit to both the warfighter and to our command.

“We can provide the warfighter direct access to subject matter experts in one of the more challenging warfare areas,” said Stubblefield. “NSWC PCD SMEs can see their systems in use, gather Fleet feedback, and bring that information and experience back to the lab as input to the systems, applications, and doctrine that NSWC PCD develops and maintains.”

BALTOPS, which began in 1972 and is now in its 47th year, continues to be an excellent opportunity for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO, and regional partners to strengthen interoperability through a series of combined tactical maneuvers and scenarios.