Ferocious! Sea mines cleared, ships boarded and armoured threats neutralised
HMS Middleton and 42 Commando have been working with their US, Italian, French, Turkish and Qatari allies on an exercise that's designed to test their response to regional threats.
The Hunt-class mine countermeasures vessel ensured the waterways were safe during Ferocious Falcon 6 – a multinational exercise led by Qatar.
The commandos, meanwhile, sharpened their amphibious assault skills by carrying out a series of day and night boarding operations.
A biennial battlespace
They were among more than 1,300 personnel taking part in the exercise that's run every two years.
"Ferocious Falcon 6 showcased our ability to operate as a unified, lethal and agile force against regional threats," said US spokesperson Commander Joseph W Hontz.
"Our commanders and battle staff received valuable training on the critical aspects of planning and management and using integrated command and control systems for effective unified operations."
Training opportunities included combined field training exercises involving land, air and naval forces, air interdiction, escort and defensive counter-air training, tactical combat casualty care cross-training, and board, search and seizure.
Protecting against threats
The ground element saw Qatari soldiers in action with the Javelin anti-tank missile, while the Italian army deployed the Centauro 2, an eight-wheeled tank destroyer.
The vehicle has a two-person turret and a 120mm gun.
It's an improved variant of the original Centauro TD, having a revised chassis to improve stability and better resist mine blasts.
Buffs and Falcons join in
The US Air Force contingent included F-16 Fighting Falcons, KC-135 Stratotankers and a B-52 Stratofortress, nicknamed the Buff – big ugly fat fellow.
The US Navy provided the littoral combat ship USS Tulsa, the fast-response cutter USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr.
The vessels were supported by a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
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