IMS Press Release 26 Feb. 2001

Exercise PHOENIX 2001 NATO Exercise Focuses on Submarine Search and Rescue Exercise PHOENIX 2001 trains NATO specialists on escape and rescue procedures for submarines in distress. This paper exercise will be held in the NATO Northwood Headquarters, UK, between 13-15 march 2001. The aim of the exercise is to demonstrate the ability of the NATO alliance to cooperate in saving lives from a submarine in peril, and includes exercising the various national submarine, escape and rescue organisations involved in providing assistance following a submarine accident. Exercise PHOENIX is part of a triennial exercise cycle that also includes the live exercise, SORBET ROYAL; the next one is planned for june 2002 in Denmark. Commander Submarines East Atlantic will conduct the exercise on behalf of Commander-In-Chief East Atlantic. It will cover alert, escape and rescue phases and will last three days (each exercise phase lasts about 48 hours) with the third day devoted to post-exercise discussion. The exercise will simulate a submarine in distress in international waters, far from home waters - a situation in which NATO will assume overall search and rescue responsibilities. PHOENIX 2001 will involve submarine rescue and medical experts from 13 NATO nations including, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States of America. Experts from partner nations are also expected to observe and participate in the exercise. At present, Russia and Sweden are confirmed to observe and participate in the exercise. Further information can be obtained from: Public Information Office, Regional HQ Eastlant/HQ Navnorth, Phone: 00 44 (0) 1923 843763 Fax: 00 44 (0) 1923 843762 E-mail: : pio@eastlant.nato.int