NATO and Russian warships jointly destroy mines in the Baltic Sea
Ten minehunters and minesweepers coming from Poland, the Netherlands, France, Russia, Sweden and Germany will moor in Klaipeda on August 31. From August 31 to September 10 they will be participating in the international mineclearance operation in the Baltic Sea “Open Spirit 07”. It is the first time two minehunters BT 230 and RT 231 of the Russian Naval Force will participate in the operation along with NATO warships. The Russian ships come to Lithuania from the Baltiisk port (Kaliningrad). BALTRON (Baltic Squadron) and Standing NATO Response Force Mine Counter Measure Group ships that have already come to Klaipeda will also participate in the “Open Spirit 07”. About one thousand troops and 19 warships from ten countries will be present at the international mineclearance operation “Open Spirit 07” in the Lithuanian territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. Lithuania will be represented by the minehunters “Kursis” (M 51) and “Suduvis” (M52). The ships coming to the operation will moor by the Baltic Ship Yard quay where official “Open Spirit 07” opening ceremony will be held. Afterwards a press conference with representatives from all participant countries will take place in the flagship “Rhein” (Germany). After the conference operation command and senior officers of the participant countries will meet with Klaipeda City and district authorities and Commander of the Lithuanian Navy. The main goal of the operation is ensuring safe navigation in the Baltic Sea through seabed exploration, removal of dangerous objects, improvement of skills of the participating ship-crews, staff officers and leadership and through facilitation of mutual understanding and cooperation. The first ships to come to Klaipeda were the Baltic Squadron on August 24, and on August 29 Lithuanian territorial waters were entered by the Standing NATO Response Force Mine Counter Measure Group. Schedule of the international operation “Open Spirit 07” for September 2-3: September 2: soldier selection teams of all the participating countries will take part in the minor football championship. September 3: at 8:00 a.m. the warships will go to the Baltic Sea to start the at-sea phase of the international mineclearance operation. |
