No escape for enemy subs as Merlin crews go hunting in the open sea and the fjords

Royal Navy submarine-hunting helicopter crews have completed two weeks of extensive tactical training in Norway.

Exercise Green Eel saw members of the Merlin Helicopter Force pit their skills against Norwegian and German submarines in a series of live exercises in the open ocean and the fjords.

The exercise involved more than 80 sailors from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose – around 40 engineers, 30 aircrew and 10 support staff.

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A slippery foe

The detachment included a pair of Royal Navy Merlin Mk2 aircraft from 824 Naval Air Squadron, but sailors from across the helicopter force, including 814 and 820 squadrons, relocated to the Haakonsvern Orlogsstasjon naval warfare station near Bergen for the exercise.

Exercise Green Eel – or Gruner Aal in Norwegian – involved the submarines HNoMS Utvӕr and U-35, support by German surface vessels Main and FGS Bonn, and the Royal Danish Navy frigate HDMS Esbern Snare.

One trainee member of the Merlin aircrew, known only as Gaz, said having to hunt actual submarines made the exercise both authentic and enjoyable.

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

"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."

Not just for aircrew

Members of the ground crew also benefited from experiencing the challenge – and fun – of doing their job in a completely different environment," explained Petty Officer Leeam Baxter, who was overseeing the trainees.

"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.

"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."

Ready to fight

Culdrose's Commanding Officer, Captain James Hall, said the workout in the fjords had been invaluable.

"This exercise allows our aircrew and engineers to test their skills and lead by harnessing emerging technology, being ready to fight and confront global threats, and to win by thinking in an innovative mindset.

"These are the skills which are used every day by Merlin Helicopter Force to provide security and defence for the UK and our allies with adversary-submarine patrols in the North Atlantic."