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By Personnel Specialist 1st Class Ninesha R. Turner
SKIVE, Denmark (June 18, 2025) – Mine Countermeasures Group (MCMGRU) 6, designated as Commander Task Group (CTG) 1104.20, successfully led all mine countermeasures (MCM) operations during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 25, marking a significant milestone by operating under its own authority for the exercise.
The Task Group, a multinational force comprising 18 MCM ships, four Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, and 611 sailors from 14 NATO Allies and partners, demonstrated the strength of interoperability and cooperation in enhancing regional maritime security.
“Every participating nation brings unique capabilities, and together we forge a collective force greater than the sum of its parts,” said Capt. William “Bill” Williams, Commodore, MCMGRU 6. “Through regular combined exercises like BALTOPS, we not only enhance readiness but also reaffirm our unity and resolve in maintaining stability in the region.”
Commencing June 5, 2025, CTG 1104.20 planned and executed operations to classify, identify, and neutralize undersea mines, ensuring freedom of navigation and access at sea within the Baltic Sea Region. The exercise provided crucial training in combined tactical maneuvers and scenarios, reinforcing NATO interoperability.
“Mine Countermeasures operations are critical to ensuring maritime security and freedom of navigation, especially in strategically vital regions like the Baltic Sea,” said Williams. “Within NATO, these operations highlight the strength of our alliance—built on seamless integration, interoperability, and shared commitment.”
BALTOPS 25 served as a vital platform for integrating new systems and technologies, including unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) and remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), exploring advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) to automate mine detection and engagement, and addressing capability gaps.
“BALTOPS demonstrates the need and opportunity to work with new systems and technologies in challenging areas and to identify capability gaps,” said German Navy Cmdr. Philipp Palm, currently assigned to MCMGRU 3. “It is important to consider all areas of such a complex exercise and to train the joint development of new procedures in dealing with new technology and AI-supported software.”
NATO navies employ MCM procedures, ships, divers and unmanned systems technology to clear lanes for merchant vessels to access strategic waterways and to conduct amphibious landings on contested beaches.
Beyond training, CTG 1104.20 made a tangible impact on Baltic environmental safety by identifying 37 live WWII mines and transferring their locations and parameters to international authorities.
“Experimenting with tactical and technological advancements in unmanned weapons systems is one of our areas of focus,” said Williams. “This is a way for us to coordinate and collaborate with our NATO Allies and partners in a way that is transforming how NATO conducts MCM operations. These new technologies are removing the person from the minefield and make the execution of MCM operations safer.”
MCMGRU 6 provides U.S. Sixth Fleet with command and control capabilities for all MCM operations in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command Areas of Responsibility, focusing on Mine Warfare readiness, strategic competition, and NATO Alliance cooperation.
BALTOPS 25 is the premier maritime-focused annual military exercise in the Baltic Sea Region and provides a unique opportunity to strengthen warfighting readiness and combat credibility critical to deterrence and preserving safety and security in the Baltic Sea.
| Date Taken: | 06.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.01.2025 07:11 |
| Story ID: | 501213 |
| Location: | SKIVE, DK |
| Web Views: | 56 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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