The “LIMNOS” frigate tied up next to NATO and Turkish warships with the information stating that the “Kemal Reis” is not in Aksaz and will probably not participate in the exercise at least near the Greek ship.
For the Turkish navy, every mention of August 12, 2020 evokes nightmarish memories. And he reminds the neighbors that the seamanship of the Greek crews is the basis on which the sovereignty of the Greek Fleet is based in the Aegean and in every sea of our country’s Sovereign Rights.
It was then, in the midst of a crisis, that the frigate “LEMNOS” “crumpled” the prestige of the Turkish navy and literally the flagship of the neighboring fleet “Kemal Reis” with the infamous “repulse” which Ankara had initially disputed. But when the document of the collision with the image of the Turkish frigate caught in the “sides” was revealed, the arrogance of the neighbors turned into a “resounding” silence. When the commander of the frigate “LIMNOS” acted in a highly professional manner against the neighbor’s bullies from the first moment of involvement to the end. Giving an order to “reverse” and while the possibility of cutting in half and sinking the “Kemal Reis” was more than visible.
“Kemal Reis” went to the “body shop” while the Turkish fleet stopped the provocations and “gathered” weighing the consequences if she continued with the same brazen tactics. While since then the warships of the neighbors move in an extremely careful way especially when they feel the “hot” breath of our Navy Units near them. 25 months later, the nightmarish memories woke up again for the neighbors when they were informed that the Greek Navy will not only participate in the “Mavi Balina” exercise which they are organizing under the auspices of NATO but with the dreaded ship, the frigate “LIMNOS”. In fact, the Greek ship in the previous days sailed towards the Turkish coast and entered the “nest” of the Turkish fleet, at the Aksaz naval station opposite Rhodes where the rest of the NATO ships that are taking part in the exercise were also gathered. And it may be that the choice of the Fleet Headquarters to send the “LEMNOS” to the exercise was based on educational criteria, but the symbolism alone is enough to remind the neighbors of events that they certainly wish to forget.
The “LIMNOS” frigate tied up next to NATO and Turkish warships with the information stating that the “Kemal Reis” is not in Aksaz and will probably not participate in the exercise at least near the Greek ship. In fact, it is about three different exercises (Dynamic Mariner, Mavi Balina and Nusret) which will be conducted simultaneously and always under NATO. 12 countries are participating – USA, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey – with a total of 50 Surface Units, 5 submarines, aircraft, helicopters and 1500 marines.
The ships remained for two days at the Aksaz naval station where the relevant briefing on the exercise took place and from dawn all the Units sailed. It will be preceded by the execution of technical standardization items according to NATO standards, while the Regular part of the exercises will follow. Most of the scenarios are planned to take place in the wider sea area between Rhodes and Cyprus while the final stage will be carried out in Sikatjik Bay opposite Samos. In between, a series of aeronautical scenarios as well as training in mine warfare are planned.
The fact that the exercise was planned and is being carried out under the auspices of NATO leaves little room for the neighbors to exploit scenarios in order to provoke Greece. But their “sinful” past and the recent escalation of tension leave no room for complacency. And this is one of the reasons for the decision taken by GEETHA and GEN to have Greece participate with a Fleet Unit.
With the “LIMNOS” frigate constantly monitoring the design and execution of the exercise and informing the Greek Staff of its progress. According to Navtex so far the exercise is being carried out within the framework of all regulations but the “alert” will remain until September 22 when the exercise will be completed. With Athens through “LIMNOS” but also the other means available to it to monitor and be ready to react immediately in case of any provocation.
“Dynamic Mariner is a particularly important large-scale maritime exercise” characteristically states the NATO Deputy Commander of MARCOM, Vice-Admiral Didier Piaton to add that “the exercise includes more objects than ever before, facilitating increased interoperability between our Nations and enhancing operational readiness. We continue to work closely with Turkey and other Allies and Partners to deter aggression and defend the Alliance.”
