Today, April 19, the spring exercise of NATO minesweepers Open Spirit began under the leadership of the Estonian Navy. 21 ships from 11 countries take part in them.
This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Defense of the republic.
“The annual Operation Open Spirit is critical to rid the Baltic Sea waters of all the ammunition that has accumulated here since the First and Second World Wars and to reduce threats to fisheries, sea routes and the environment. In addition, it promotes cooperation between the Estonian Navy and other countries participating in the operation”, – said Commander of the NATO First Standing Mine Action Squadron, Lieutenant Commander Jan Weichers.
This half of the year, the main composition of the First Mine Action Squadron includes ships from Germany, Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Estonia.
It is noted that Open Spirit is held annually in different Baltic countries.