U.S. Navy EOD Teams Up with NATO for Intense Arctic Warfare Drills in Norway

The annual Arctic Specialist exercise, hosted by Norway, has once again brought together multinational forces for specialized training. This year’s participants included forces from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the United States. The exercise focuses on enhancing Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) skills and expeditionary mine countermeasures (ExMCM) methods in cold-weather environments.

Commander John Kennedy of Task Group 68.1 (EODMU 8) highlights the exercise’s importance in improving cold weather survival and EOD capabilities. “Training alongside formidable Allies enhances our readiness to operate in the Arctic,” he stated. This collaboration aligns with the Department of Defense’s Arctic Strategy for 2024, which perceives major geopolitical shifts and climate change as driving factors for increased strategic interest in the region.

The exercise, initiated in 1986, originally titled “EOD Ex”, was renamed Arctic Specialist in 2012. The participation of Sweden, a recent addition to NATO, marked a new chapter in 2023. Such exercises are crucial for EOD operators to adapt to challenging environments and ensure effective multinational cooperation.

A Norwegian Lieutenant Commander emphasized the exercise’s value beyond technical training. “Understanding cultural nuances and fostering deep relationships is as important as skill development,” he remarked. This sentiment was echoed in the robust training program, which included live demolition exercises and advanced arctic survival tactics.

The demanding environment of Norway served as the backdrop for a winter warfare course preceding the main event. U.S. Navy EOD operators gained firsthand experience in arctic mobility and survival from their Norwegian counterparts. “The Arctic is an unforgiving terrain,” noted Senior Chief Karl Sowinski, emphasizing the critical nature of such training.

A unique aspect of training involved a cold-water immersion exercise in freezing conditions, pushing participants to their limits. The goal was to reinforce mental acuity and resilience under extreme stress. Norwegian EOD leaders praised the collaboration with U.S., Swedish, and Danish teams, underscoring the importance of integrating different skills and technologies.

This exercise underscores the power of multinational collaboration, reinforcing the capacity to respond swiftly to threats. Through such joint operations, the U.S. Navy EOD bolsters its readiness to confront changing global security challenges, particularly in the Arctic.

CTF-68 oversees naval expeditionary combat forces within the U.S. European and Africa Command areas. These operations reflect the broader mission of advancing U.S. interests and ensuring regional stability.

For further information on U.S. Navy EOD activities, please visit Arizonanews.org.