Royal Navy fliers join Norwegians for their annual sub-hunt workout Green Eel

Aircrews of Merlin Helicopter Force pitting their skills against Norwegian and German submarines in a series of live exercises during June, both in the open ocean and in the fjords.

More than 80 sailors from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose – around 40 engineers, 30 aircrew and ten support staff – relocated from Cornwall to Haakonsvern Orlogsstasjon (naval warfare station) near Bergen.

The detachment included a pair of Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 aircraft from 824 Naval Air Squadron, but involved sailors from across the helicopter force including 814 and 820 squadrons. 

Also taking part in the exercise – known by the hosts as Gruner Aal – were the submarines HNoMS Utvӕr (Norwegian) and U-35 (German) with German support ships Main and FGS Bonn, and Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Esbern Snare.

The presence of a real ‘foe’ lurking in the depths of the fjords made the exercise both authentic and enjoyable for trainee aircrewman Gaz.

“This is my first time to actually see what the job is about and get some invaluable experience. Going up against a real submarine like this – well, it’s difficult,” he said.

“It’s a very complicated picture but it’s great to see it, use the equipment safely and gain this first-hand understanding of what we will be doing for real when we qualify for frontline operations.”

The detachment to Norway also benefits ground crew – many of whom had not experienced both the challenges and fun of doing their job in a completely different environment.

“They are still doing everything they would do back at Culdrose, and following the same procedures, but it broadens their horizons gives them a different way to look at the importance of their role,” explained Petty Officer Leeam Baxter who was overseeing the trainees.

“It also allows them to spend time in Norway and everyone here at the base is really good. This is why you join the navy, to see different places.”