Canada has led the Cutlass Fury sub hunt for several decades. HMS Northumberland took part in this year’s exercise in the North Atlantic with NATO allies including the USA, Portugal, Norway, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Belgium.
Following the exercise, HMS Northumberland will use its new skills to join HMS Queen Elizabeth on deployment in Westlant. During the operation, the ship planned attacks and located subs using sonar to protect the task group.
Lieutenant Commander Markus Adcock, Northumberland’s Weapons Engineering officer, said: “There is nowhere to hide really from a warship like Northumberland. We will find that submarine.”
“It has been hugely exciting learning to operate and fight within this task group. There has been no greater challenge in my career so far and it is a privilege to be updating the rule book as Northumberland partakes in Cutlass Fury and operates as part of the Carrier Strike Group.”
Commander Alexandra Pollard, Commanding Officer, said: “HMS Northumberland’s anti-submarine warfare capability will enhance the task group’s ability to project maritime power – and it’s a clear demonstration of the role that Devonport-based Type 23 frigates will have in supporting carrier operations.”
“I have some very junior sailors, and this will be their first time away, as well as many seasoned hands on board. It’s an exciting time and it’s what we joined the Royal Navy to do.”
HMS Queen Elizabeth will soon be testing the UK’s F-35B Lightning jets for the first time and will be supported by Northumberland, Type-45 destroyer HMS Dragon, and RFA Tideforce as part of a Carrier Strike Group. Cutlass Fury has offered the chance to strengthen bonds with the Canadians and for Northumberland and the Royal Navy to showcase their Anti-Submarine Warfare capabilities.
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Canada HMS Northumberland NATO sonar submarine Training warship