[SWE/GBR]: Exercise Iron Trident

[Connor]

EXERCISE IRON TRIDENT EXERCISE JÄRN TRIDENT

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OFFICIAL TRAINING EXERCISE
APRIL 1997
TOP SECRET​

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Situation Report
Exercise Iron Trident is to test, consolidate and improve the initial interoperability of naval assets, specifically those of international deployment capability, between the Kingdom of Sweden and Great Britain. This exercise, the first of it's kind, will incorporate two Carrier Strike Groups of the two nations respectively and provide the necessary training to assigned personnel in an extensive range of components essential to the operation of the fleet as a whole and their operational range and capability. This mission will seek to improve the dynamic between the two nationals naval forces, seek to find similarities in their way of working and promote cooperation and friendship in the two branches in order to fundamentally improve the joint-working now and in the future. This document will be dynamically updated.

Belligerents

Kingdom of Sweden Great Britain

v.

Intelligence
NTR

Objective(s)

1. Immediate deployment of Swedish Royal Navy currently stationed in the Mediterranean Sea to Gibraltar for refuelling.​

2. Relocation to the rendezvous point in Diego Garcia, British Indian Ocean Territory.​

3. Reporting of the commanding officers of both the Swedish 1st Carrier Battle Group and the British equivalent for a briefing.​

4. Refuelling of the general fleet in Diego Garcia in preparation for the first training exercise.​

5. Progression with the exercise schedule.​

Casualty Report
NTR

Campaign Register
EJ-1A - COMPLETE - Deployment of materiel from Mediterranean Sea to Gibraltar.
EJ-1B - COMPLETE - Refuel of the fleet, air assets and her reserves in preparation for travel to Diego Garcia.
EJ-2A - COMPLETE - Transit and preparation prior to arrival in Diego Garcia.
EJ-2B - COMPLETE - Acclimatisation and replenishment of the fleet in Diego Garcia.
EJ-3A - COMPLETE - Drafting and agreement of the first step of the Exercise Agenda.
EJ-5A - COMPLETE - Deployment of both Swedish and British assets into the Indian Ocean.
EJ-5B - ACTIVE - Exercise operations.

Exercise Agenda

1. Aerial Operations - Search and Rescue​

2. Maritime Operations - Search and Rescue​

2. Emergency Procedures - Medical​

Deployment

1st Carrier Battle Group (CSG-1) [Kungsbacka Naval Base]* Kitty Hawk-Class Aircraft Carrier​ [5624x] Active Personnel​ HSwMS Carl XVI Gustaf​ Naresuan-Class Frigate​ [450x] Active Personnel​ HSwMS Naresuan HSwMS Songtham HSwMS Saowaphak​ Brandenburg-Class Frigate​ [864x] Active Personnel​ HSwMS Hesse HSwMS Saxony HSwMS Saarland HSwMS Hamburg​ Koster-Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel​ [28x] Active Personnel​ HSwMS Ven​ Södermanland-Class Submarine​ [24x] Active Personnel​ HSwMS Halland​

Carrier Air Wing One [Ronnebay Naval Air Base] Strike Fighter Squadron 11​ [10x] McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet​ [20x] Active Personnel​ Strike Fighter Squadron 12​ [10x] McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet​ [20x] Active Personnel​ Strike Fighter Squadron 13​ [10x] McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet​ [20x] Active Personnel​ Electronic Attack Squadron 11​ [10x] Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler​ [40x] Active Personnel​ Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 11​ [5x] Grumman C-2 Greyhound​ [20x] Active Personnel​ Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 11​ [12x] Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk​ [48x] Active Personnel​ Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 11​ [7x] Sikorsky MH-53M Pave Low IV​ [35x] Active Personnel​ X X X

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Copyright © Swedish Armed Forces, Kingdom of Sweden
All information is subject to the Swedish Document Classification and Security Act 1995​

 

[Jamie]

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CSG: MARITIME GROUP 1
Operation Directive, August 1997
Security Classification: TOP SECRET

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XI. PRELIMINARYX
Exercise Iron Trident is to test, consolidate and improve the initial interoperability of naval assets, specifically those of international deployment capability, between the Kingdom of Sweden and the United Kingdom. This exercise, the first of it's kind, will incorporate two Carrier Strike Groups of the two nations respectively and provide the necessary training to assigned personnel in an extensive range of components essential to the operation of the fleet as a whole and their operational range and capability. This mission will seek to improve the dynamic between the two nationals naval forces, seek to find similarities in their way of working and promote cooperation and friendship in the two branches in order to fundamentally improve the joint-working now and in the future. This document will be dynamically updated.

XII. BELLIGERENTSX

Blufor United Kingdom Kingdom of Sweden

Opfor

XIII. STRENGTHX

ACTIVE DEPLOYMENT

[1] HMS Invincible (Invincible-class Aircraft Carrier)

[650] Royal Navy Personnel
[350] Fleet Air Arm Personnel
[100] 4-2 Commando, A Company
[16] British Aerospace Harrier II GR.9A (802 Sqn, [A, B, C, D] Flight)
[2] Westland Sea King ASaC7 (882 Sqn, A Flight)
[2] Westland Sea King ASaC7 (700 Sqn, A Flight, [WOLF001, WOLF002])​

[1] HMS Sheffield(Type 42 Destroyer)

[253] Royal Navy Personnel​

[1] HMS Birmingham(Type 42 Destroyer)

[253] Royal Navy Personnel​

[1] HMS Solent (Type 23 Frigate)

[185] Royal Navy Personnel​

[1] HMS Valiant(Type 23 Frigate)

[185] Royal Navy Personnel​

[1] HMS Trafalgar(Trafalgar-class Submarine)

[130] Royal Navy Personnel​

[1] RFA WaveRuler(Wave-class Tanker)

[80] Royal Navy Personnel​

[1] RFA Fort Victoria(Fort Victoria-class Replenishment Oiler)

[264] Royal Navy Personnel​

XIV. CAMPAIGN REGISTERX

Operation	Description	Status
Exercise Iron Trident AUGUST1997 - Present	Carrier Strike Group UK-SWE Interoperability Exercise	In Progress

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Connor

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory
With the gracious acceptance of the British Government the Swedish deployment in position in the Carrier Strike Group, known within the Swedish Royal Navy as the 1st Carrier Battle Group or CSG-1 and comprising of Carrier Air Wing One, would remain stationary within the Mediterranean Sea in JM sector. These units had been deployed as part of Operation Omphacite which would see the deployment of Swedish assets into the southern hemisphere in order to ensure the Swedish Armed Forces had scope for a strategic presence in and around the continents of Africa and Asia, the purpose of Operation Omphacite was primarily of preparation and training hence the incorporation of Exercise Iron Trident. This was the first military exercise the Kingdom of Sweden had conducted with another nation and was overtly of key interest to senior political figures in order to grow and encompass the relationship with the British whom had their own deployment in the region. The exercise would be the largest-scale exercise performed by the crew of HSwMS Carl XVI Gustaf and that of her accompanying vessels and aircraft; a true test for the capabilities of the modern Swedish Royal Navy.

With the permission of the British, and the fleet in dire need of replenishment, the vessels would return the way they had come directly towards Gibraltar (JM > IM). Here the vessels would, whilst cooperating with recognised shipping lanes, domestic and international law and general courtesy, take their positions in the appropriate port to ensure their refuelling and general replenishment before deployment to the exercise rendezvous point of Diego Garcia. Whilst travelling, the vessels would remain in formation which essentially surrounds the aircraft carrier whilst making best use of on-board surveillance equipment and monitoring stations. Radio communication was imperative in such a busy shipping lane and whilst an exclusion zone remained around the Carrier Strike Group it was generally understood and accepted that whilst in peacetime and friendly waters, providing the vessels were monitored throughout, the odd interception of the exclusion zone was accepted.

As per their initial stock in Sweden, the Kitty Hawk-Class Aircraft Carrier is equipped with twenty four Sea Sparrow and RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missiles and the ammunition for four Phalanx CIWS. The Naresuan-Class Frigate is equipped with ammunition for one 5in/54 Mk45 Mod 2 naval artillery gun, two 30mm MSI-DSL DS30MR automated small calibre gun, thirty two RIM-162 ESSM launched from an 8 cell Mk41 VLS, eight RGM-84 Harpoon SSM and two triple 324mm Mk32 Mod 5 tubes. The Brandenburg-Class Frigate is armed with ammunition for one OTO-Melara 76mm/62Mk-75 multi-purpose naval gun, two Mauser BK-27 27mm rapid-fire cannons, sixteen Sea Sparrow missiles launched from a Mk41 Mod 3 VLS, twntry one Rolling Airframe Missiles launched from two Mk49 launchers, four MM38 Exocet antiship missiles and four Mk46 torpedoes. The Koster-Class Mine Countermeasures Vessel is equipped with ammunition for one Boford 40mm gun, two Ksp 58 machine gun alongside mines and depth charges. The Södermanland-Class Submarine is equipped with mines and torpedoes for the six 533mm and 400mm torpedo tubes. All vessels are equipped with reserve ammunition, missiles, depth charges, mines and torpedoes as a resilience. The air wing onboard consisted of twenty McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornets (equipped with two Zuni rockets, four AGM-65 Maverick missiles, electronic countermeasures pod and two AGM-84 Harpoon missiles), ten Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowlers (equipped with two AGM-88 HARM missiles, two AN/ALQ-99 TJS pods and one AN/ALE-43(V) BCDS pod), five Grumman C-2 Greyhounds, twelve Sikorsky MH-60R (equipped with two Mk54 air-launched torpedoes) and seven Sikorsky MH-53M. All miniguns onboard the deployment are fully armed with the required ammunition.

Upon approach to Gibraltar, the fleet would idle in an appropriate location, after all the refuelling of an aircraft carrier was an extensive logistical challenge in-and-of itself, let alone the rest of the fleet. A radio message is broadcast informing the British of their arrival and the awaiting of further instruction of safely refuel.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

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At the Royal Navy facility within Gibraltar, word was spreading of a Swedish Carrier Strike Group been authorized for refueling which raised a lot of excitement and the news spread across the area; sparking a huge interest for photographers who wouldn't want to miss the rare opportunity to see a Swedish Carrier Strike Group in its element. In preparation, the three Scimitar-class Patrol Vessels stationed at Gibraltar were briefed on a tasking to patrol around the strike group to offer additional protection of the smaller scale variety. Naturally, the Swedish Fleet would be informed of their presence and despite the interests been security, it was a great opportunity for those sailors to engage in their secret desires of getting close to an aircraft carrier of this magnitude. Local Law Enforcement had also got additional staff to come into work that day to ensure maximum security was in place.

On arrival day, it didn't take long until the entire population at Gibraltar to see the ships in the distance and the local port authorities directed the vessels on the safest route, the Swedish Vessels were given priority and escorted individually to the port to refuel to ensure enough space was available without putting anyone at risk. During the event, the police and Royal Navy craft remained vigilant to offer the best forms of protection and it offered a great opportunity for Public Relations to show the close bond between Sweden and the UK growing, the Royal Navy Chief highlighting it as an "Amazing step forward for cooperation and interoperability."

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Connor

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory
1st Carrier Strike Group, also referred to as CSG-1, would take the careful time to refuel and replenish the necessary resources onboard each ship it comprised of as well as any remaining aviation fuel and personal effects required on-board before the continuation of the voyage onwards to Diego Garcia. The crew onboard each ship would man the rail and mark their arrival with a salute to the British, as a sign of respect for their provisions and needless to say the Swedish flag would fly proud among each of the ships as this undoubtedly was a public display of the growing relationship between the Kingdom of Sweden the the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Once complete, the vessels would free themselves to return into the Mediterranean Sea and onwards to arranged rendezvous point - throughout transit the vessels would remain in a pre-arranged formation surrounding the aircraft carrier and providing the necessary anti-air, anti-surface and anti-submarine facilities required to ensure the integrity of the carrier strike group throughout their time in foreign and international waters.

The departure towards Diego Garcia marked a moment in the exercise signifying to the crew that brought the physical exercise closer to reality. This was not only a prominent exercise in the bilateral relationship between Britain and Sweden but strived for better cooperation between the states in times to come, especially giving the rising international tension on a wide range of subjects. This marked a change in Swedish foreign policy, moving away from a closed-off bordered nation and encompassing the advanced knowledge and capabilities of European states to further develop at home.

Within hours the Carrier Strike Group will arrive in Diego Garcia, giving the crew their first opportunity to eye up the British equivalent and allow the beginning of the exercise.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

The arrival of the Swedish Carrier Strike Group at Diego Garcia is certainly a first. Used to manage Britain's interests in Asia and Africa, the island is an isolated facility that permits top secret deployments of a smaller scale and a great point to support any front line deployments in the region but is often only used by Britain only. Sweden, been the first country to be permitted at Diego Garcia since the contract with America expired in 1995. Despite negotiations and a continued interest in the area, the United States had yet to agree and pay for an extended contract to allow their use but for now, it serves as a training opportunity for Maritime Group One's last couple of months before returning to the United Kingdom. Two Harriers from 802 Squadron, the Fleet Air Arm, was sure to welcome the Sweden Vessels by conducting a fly-by of the Kitty Hawk class as a welcoming to the base. Naturally, the Swedish Commanders were informed of this intent to prevent any confusion as to why two Harriers were heading towards them. The last thing one needed was to accidentally start a war.

Supplies were ready for the Swedish Navy to receive that consisted of food, water, medical supplies and fuel; this allowed time for the crews of the Swedish Navy to depart and meet the British Sailors they would be training with. Moored up, the size difference between the two carriers was evident, with the Invincible Class dwarfed by its Swedish Counterpart "They're probably compensating for their minuscule dicks" was a joke that echoed through the British Sailors as they took the chance to engage in banter which was hopefully something the Swedish were into. The Mess was set up with additional seats and tables and a number of 'toys' such as goal posts with footballs, table tennis tables and other leisure activities erected outside for everyone to enjoy and hopefully inspire some friendly competition. Due to the time the Royal Navy had been hoisted at Diego Garcia, they were ready for the exercise to begin but was sure to give the Swedish Forces plenty of time to get themselves adjusted and settled in.

Connor

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Diego Garcia, British Overseas Territory
Once safely moored the crew of the Swedish vessels would walk proudly down the staircase, carrying their miniscule dicks between their legs with pride - whilst they spoke a fair amount of English it definitely wasn't honed to the standard where they could understand the rumblings amongst the British sailors. Nonetheless the natural cock-fighting between the two navies was bound to happen with the Swedish beginning their extremely competitive streak in the numerous impromptu leisure activities which appeared to be filling the mess. Within moments the crew had immediately noticed the substantial difference in climate between that of Sweden and Diego Garcia. Not only had this crew managed to get themselves on the first deployment of an aircraft carrier and the first military exercise of its kind but also got themselves out of the cold temperatures of Scandinavia for the tropical climate of the equator.

From the Kitty Hawk-Class Aircraft carrier the Kommendör (Captain) would make his way to the British officers in order to begin drafting the first phases of the exercise - the plan was simple, in order to take the best possible advantage of the aircraft carriers available to both the British and Swedish they would begin with Search and Rescue operations for carrier operation contingencies. The scenario would play-out as follows:

British and Swedish vessels are to patrol a hypothetical pattern through the Indian Ocean whereby aerial assets will have been used in order to ensure the integrity of the fleet, upon return of a Swedish aircraft it will have failed to catch the arresting wire and attempts to abort the landing have failed resulting in the aircraft continuing off the end of the carrier deck and crashing into the water leaving two crewman lost at sea. Recovery will require communication between the British and Swedish forces in order to safely operate a recovery mission to preserve life and salvage necessary materials.​

The Captain would stare blankly at the British having pointed at a map a few times, drawn some circles, arrows and crosses on a whiteboard. He waited in anticipation for any questions for the first step of the exercise.

 

[Jamie]

Despite any language barriers and banter, the British Sailors were generally really easy to get along with and the time in the mess was a great opportunity for sailors from both countries to get to known one another -- something that would only benefit them as the exercise begun and that by this time, most were eager and ready to start. Meanwhile, the Kommendor was well received by the British Commanding Officers whom allowed him to converse his plan for the exercise. Search and Rescue remained a fascinating area to train in, some sailors, perhaps the more immature one, made some internal jokes about how after the issue in Antarctica, this training was a "a little too late for the Swedes"; that was one of the more inappropriate digs and remained behind closed doors of the UK Sailors. However, the officers were sure to welcome their guests with the utmost of respect.

"The situation you have laid down seems very well, it'll certainly test communications between our fleets and the training done will hopefully save lives in the future. If you'd like to take the lead on running the situation through and confirm when it takes place; obviously out on the water. We'll then react in suite and focus on a clear line of communication whilst search patterns can commence. I have nothing further to add but if that's the intent, we can look to getting our ships to sea and commence?"

Connor

 

[Connor]

TOP SECRET
Diego Garcia, British Overseas Territory
"Depending on how long we have the British Carrier Strike Group within Diego Garcia and capable to taking part in this exercise we can expand the agenda to suit the needs of both our ships companies... after all we're in pursuit of training our carriers to essentially be a floating military base capable of global deployment thus we seek the most highly trained and experienced personnel on the planet. Hopefully we can reach this goal together. I think it's sensible for us to start small with a search and rescue operation and grow from there, if possible. Anyway! Let's hit the waves shall we?" The Swedish Captain smiles, nodding to the other commanding officers before making his way back to the Swedish fleet and having his officers collate the sailors in order to return to the ship for deployment. Onboard the sip a number of different props would be prepared for the benefit of training personnel - the first prop was a large inflatable red square which would eventually be the reference point of the crashed aircraft - this was obviously be extremely easy to spot for aerial assets provide a point of reference for the search and rescue operation. In addition to this two weighted dummies would be prepared to represent the lost crew, this would enable to display of how quickly personnel can drift from the point of reference in ocean conditions. The dummies would be dressed in standard Swedish Royal Navy uniforms to make the search more difficult.

Whilst this was being prepared the ships company would begin preparing the vessels to leave port, leading the way they'd ensure they remained in communication with the British for the safe departure from Diego Garcia out towards the Indian Ocean where this exercise was due to take place. Navigating shallow waters, commercial and other military vessels was a challenge in and of itself. Through the deployment of the vessels, whilst it was known they were taking part in an exercise, all supporting vessels would ensure their radar and intelligence systems remained active to monitor incoming threats to the integrity of the aircraft carrier as well as to preserve the safety of maritime traffic in the area. An exclusion zone would be broadcast across civilian shipping channels, breaches of which would continue to be monitored throughout the exercise. All weapon systems, whilst not operational for this exercise, would remain on standby as they would in any peaceful passage.

Nonetheless, the Swedish fleet would continue out into the Indian Ocean with the British, presumably, in close succession. A true show of naval prowess.

MI > NH

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

"Search and rescue sounds ideal, given the scale of any carrier strike group, rehearsals for events such as that, is of course, vital." commented the British Commanding Officer, before giving the green light for Maritime Group I to depart Diego Garcia in unison with the Swedish Task Force. Communications was a huge focus to ensure the combined 13 vessels were capable of navigating into the water whilst respecting health and safety for all those on board. It served as its own challenge that only solidified the need to exercise with their Swedish Counterparts. Despite been on exercise, the risk of actual combat was extremely low so in general, the configuration of all vessels was loitering. Although helicopters were always prepared to deploy at a moments notice for Search and Rescue and drills were regularly run on board each respective vessel to simulate fires, taking on water, medical emergencies and more.

The two task groups side by side served as an opportunity for some photos from the skies, with the Fleet Air Arm taking snaps of the joint strike group. Entering the region where the exercise could take place, it was thought a quick simulation would put both strike groups into an immediate state of readiness with little warning. Only a few selected personnel were aware, but from HMS Birmingham,a training dummy was dropped in to the choppy sea and no word was mentioned for around 8 minutes. Suddenly, the alarms blurted "Man Overboard, Man Overboard, Man Overboard, Port Side, Port Side, Port Side" and instant communication was made with the Swedish Carrier Group informing them of the situation.

In instant succession, a Westland Sea King departed HMS Invincible abiding Air Traffic Controllers on board, beginning a search from above whilst the rest of the ships; which had to work together with the Swedish Forces; begun to set a perimeter and carry out internal procedures to identify how many personnel were on the ship. For the purpose of the simulation, 1 was not accounted for. Each vessel using their equipment and experience at sea to plot potential routes the casualty could be pushed out too.

​

Connor

 

[Connor]

Indian Ocean
Immediately upon receiving communication from the British fleet informing the 1st Carrier Battle Group of the man overboard they'd begin to throttle back, starting a right-hand turn into a large circular loop in order to maintain their current position as much as physically possible - it goes without saying that the turning circle of a Kitty Hawk-class Aircraft Carrier and her support vessels was not small and undoubtedly took them miles away from where the dummy was dropped into the water. As far as the Swedish crew were concerned, this was real, and alarms would sound throughout the vessels taking part in the exercise. A similar announcement is echoed by the Swedish vessels to that of the British informing the crew of a man overboard and prompting an immediate count of the crew whilst they prepared the appropriate equipment to start search and rescue efforts.

Almost immediately HSwMS Naresuan and HSwMS Songtham would peel away from the main bulk of the flotilla to begin a much tighter search of the waters where the man overboard was first called.

As part of normal procedures the crew onboard the Kitty Hawk would begin mapping and plotting the nearest medical facilities available to their current position and the logistical methods used in order to reach those facilities in the most efficient and safe way possible. This was done in conjunction with each and every vessel manning the appropriate side of the ship to begin observations of the last known position whilst aerial and naval assets make towards in order to scout the area. Constant communications are made between the navigation teams inside the Swedish flotilla as well as ensuring British vessels are aware to prevent collision or confusion.

Within moments the crew of one of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 11's Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk would sprint from the ready room onboard the aircraft carrier, now donning their full flight gear and appropriate life vests to ensure their own safety - they'd dart into the helicopter whilst crews on the flight deck prepare not only the aircraft but also the local area for departure. The Carrier Air Traffic Control Centre would continue to monitor the British deployment whilst preparing the rapid deployment of their own, maintaining appropriate safety parameters at the same time. Once primary flight control gave the all clear, the aircraft would lift from the deck and head towards the rest of the search party.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

From the initial call of a Man Overboard, communication between the Royal Navy ships and the Swedish flotilla seemed to work smoothly, the level of communication required was to ensure that there was no conflict in the form of a ship to ship collision, to confirm the areas that have been searched as well as consideration for aircraft and smaller vessels operating in the region. Aware of the Swedish MH-60R Seahawk in proximity, the Westland Seaking from the Fleet Air Arm continued its search patterns and kept a direct line of contact with the Seahawk; operating around the suspected locations of where the casualty was last 'spotted'. On board the Royal Navy vessels, weather conditions such as the wind were plotted to determine the rough direction the dummy would be headed.

Both Type 23 Frigates and Type 42 Destroyers begun to navigate and make a 'cordon' around the entire area to try to cover all flanks with sailors on the decks, keeping a keen eye out for any suspicious objects that may resemble the missing person... or dummy in this case. After a substantial amount of time conducting the search, a glimpse of hope appeared in the distance of one of the Type 42 Destroyers, although not close enough to confirm. Radio communication was sent to the Swedish Fleet with the coordinates of the sighting, requesting they divert their aircraft to confirm.

Connor

 

[Connor]

Indian Ocean
One the radio communication was received it was immediately fed from the commanding vessel to the aircraft in the air, and acknowledgement was given a very short time later prompting the pilot to divert their attention towards the coordinates given by their British counterparts. From the air the deployment would look phenomenal as the British and Swedish deployment sail peacefully through the Indian Ocean, despite the battle group broken up by the search and rescue teams that had diverted from their usual positions guarding the aircraft carriers to preserve life. Thankfully the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk was a sophisticated naval-orientated aircraft and highly capable of search and rescue operations given it's speed, agility and historically trustworthy airframe used worldwide. One in the general region the crew onboard the aircraft would begin plotting the likely position of the body given time elapsed, water currents and disruption by nearby vessels - this would allow the pilot to begin a search pattern of the area to map as much of the region as they could.

It wasn't long before an object was identified in the water and the helicopter drew ever closer, high enough as not to disrupt the water below however low enough to begin a sophisticated area search. The sighting was called in to the command vessel and ultimately onwards to the British to confirm their initial sighting. But was it the man overboard they were hoping to find?

The helicopter lowered itself to a position where it could begin the deployment of search and rescue swimmers onboard the vessel who, ultimately, could move to recover the object which at this stage was presumed to be the man overboard until confirmed otherwise. From either side of the aircraft, once given the green light, two search and rescue swimmers would begin to rappel down to the waters surface with the intense blast of the helicopters rotors overhead, the overwhelming pressure of the British observing a Swedish rescue operation and the scrutiny undoubtedly about to be received by the Swedish commanding officers. One swimmer makes it to the water, keeping a rescue line attached to himself as he begins to swim over to the presumed casualty; the other swimmer gets snagged on the way down... his flipper caught in the rappel line which violently swings his body upside down and his leg very clearly broken as the rope wraps around his limb. His screams out in pain masked by the sound of the helicopter and the other swimmer focused on the operation at hand.

Despite being in an unbearable amount of pain, hanging upside down and helplessly attached to the aircraft, he would pull himself up to see an open fracture of his lower right leg, blood slowly pooling around the bone and internally a rush of adrenaline. He'd begin drifting out of consciousness swinging from the aircraft.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Search patterns continued and communication between the British and Swedish crews was maintained to a high degree to minimize any risks of actual incidents occurring, photographs taken by crews on vessels of the large scale search and rescue operation that had real world benefits to preparing for; whether for conflict or otherwise. The object, discovered by the Swedish teams as they closed in would turn out to be the man overboard after all by the initial swimmer and potentially the helicopter team, until a real situation developed. From afar, British Vessels maintained watch and noticed the event unfold that saw the snagging take place through the binoculars. Calling this in across the joint task force to ensure all stations were aware and the active Sea King helicopter begun to divert to the location of the Swedish Helicopter to support the swimmer, and recovery of the man overboard if possible.

A few minutes later and they were in close but safe proximity with the helicopter crew winch man overseeing from a distance, ready to winch down if prompted or support the Swedish air crew. During that type, HMS Solent had altered course to assist. Any movements of Royal Navy assets would be communicated to their Swedish counterparts, and a medical team on board HMS Solent was placed on stand by for the swimmer as a precaution if the Swedish Team wanted to land on the Type 23 Frigate. That was, if they could safely recover the training dummy and their injured swimmer who swung helplessly.

Eyes were watching the two aircraft and approaching Frigate intently, eager to see the actual injured swimmer treated immediately. This would no doubt only increase the experience of the crews as it turned from a training exercise to a real situation, whilst intending to complete the mission of recovering the man overboard practice dummy that some sailors had named 'Connor' to make it easier to say.

Connor

 

[Connor]

Indian Ocean
As the first swimmer hits the water and makes his way over to the dummy floating in the water he'd swiftly attach a line around the waistline to secure it from floating any further out into the ocean meanwhile a bright orange basket is lowered from the aircraft in which the dummy could lay to be retrieved from the water. At this point the delay in assistance became noticed by the first swimmer as he looks around for his support, this was the first point he noticed the second swimmer missing. In confusion he looks around desperately as the waves crash frequently into his face making it extremely difficult to manage the human weight of the dummy on his own. Looking up is when the swimmer noticed his support dangling from the helicopter, by this point he'd fallen completely unconscious and his body rag dolled from the aircraft helplessly - suddenly the situation became genuine.

In only a matter of seconds the additional crew within the helicopter would also notice the issue unravelling, prompting an additional crew member to begin the rappel to meet halfway where the medical emergency swung. Soon the swimmer, from the directional air pressure of the rotors, would begin to spin around faster and faster on the line, his limp body being thrown outward making the risk of him falling from the line higher and higher.

Secondly the crew would make radio communications to nearby ships and assets, informing them of the emergency and the immediate necessity for medical teams to be on standby for an emergency landing following recovery. At the moment the crew had no idea whether the swimmer was in shock, unconscious or even dead. The dreaded words 'this is not a drill' stated confidently through the radio sending chills through the spines of the Swedish deployment.

The swimmer in the water would make use of the lowered basket, using his sudden burst of adrenaline to hoist himself and the dummy inside to make a rapid ascent back up to the helicopter where he would begin preparing the deck for the medical situation. Fortunately, as standard, search and rescue helicopters are equipped with trauma management first aid kits as standard, especially considering their military nature - he'd begin by preparing to unpackage sterilised medical supplies ready for use on the casualty and apply nitrile gloves. The situation still unclear yet desperate. The crew member rappelling down to the swimmers position would secure his position, desperately screaming to get a response despite the screaming noise of the helicopters engine and propellers - swinging himself close enough to secure himself to the swimmer he'd start to pull himself up; first aid being almost impossible at their current position dangling from the aircraft.

The climb back up was painfully slow as to protect the personnel in need however every second counted if they were to save his life.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

Tension was brewing from the British Crews who helplessly observed, it was a great risk to move closer via sea or air to support their Swedish counterparts and a risk that would have only costed more lives if they opted to move in. HMS Solent was now in a close proximity for an immediate landing of the Swedish Aircraft to get instant care to the swimmer. Beyond the helicopter pad on the frigate, a medical bed and a team of medically-trained personnel were stood by. Despite the unfortunate turn of events, there were still two casualties. The dummy and the swimmer. To complete both, would show a resilience in an environment that can always change, even for the worse. No doubt there would be an inquest into what occurred but for now, priority was to save a life. The British Sea King continued to loiter in the vicinity in case they could offer support, but making sure they kept a distance to avoid conflict.

During this time, HMS Solent and the Helicopter Crews kept communication going around the fleet. Relaying any information that acquired through visuals or otherwise to keep the entire UK-SWE Task Force up to date. The situation was at the hands of the Swedish who were given an immediate clearance to land on HMS Solent.

Connor

 

[Connor]

Indian Ocean
Once back into the cargo cabin the crew would begin preparing the area for emergency first aid and the second the swimmer made it into the cargo bay it was all systems go. In almost silence the crew would work from head to toe in removing any equipment from the swimmer, cutting through clothing to expose wounds, injuries and skin to enable to connection of nodes for the vital observations machine. Throughout numerous attempts to awake the swimmer would be attempted as they eagerly wait the connection of the last node to confirm his heartrate...-

The machine pauses for only a brief moment as it analyses the electrical rhythm...- He was alive. Just.

His heartrate darts across the screen of the vital observations machine bringing some joy to the crew working on him. Within seconds they'd divert their attention to ensuring and oxygen mask was secured around the casualty's face and move on to disinfecting the open fracture on his leg. The bone was very clearly pierced through his skin and required urgent attention to prevent infection and even the loss of the leg completely. The disinfection process was less than organised and involved throwing liquid across the wound as best they could and wrapping it securely in a dressing until they could reach an adequately sterile and equipped medical bay, whether on a ship or on land.

The pilot would return communications to HMS Solent, confirming the casualty was on board and they would be making their way to their helipad immediately. This was also relayed to the control room aboard HSwMS Carl XVI Gustaf.

Jamie

 

[Connor]

Operation Pyrite

Information received from the Swedish Department of Defence has ordered, on an emergency basis, all assets capable of withdrawal from Exercise Iron Trident are to do so immediately on the basis of national security. This information is received via encrypted means. Given the extenuating circumstances of the exercise thusfar including the medical emergency permission is granted for Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 11's Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk to remain with HMS Solent for as long as necessary to support the British in their efforts to preserve life however the remainder of the Carrier Battle Group, including the aircrafts mothership HSwMS Carl XVI Gustaf are to return to Diego Garcia for replenishment.

The ships, at their earliest convenience, would depart via the shortest possible route back to Diego Garcia. Naturally, the British are made aware of these circumstances.

Jamie

 

[Jamie]

HMS Solent remained static with the on board crew observing the Swedish helicopter as it made its approach, covering their heads from the wash of the rotors until it touched down and was considered safe by the aircraft handler on deck. The moment this was given, the medical crew moved over to the doorway to allow the patient to be transported before been rushed down to the medical bay. The remaining helicopter crews were given the clearance to power down and the aircraft secured to the deck for safety purposes. They would be offered accommodation due to the needed departure of the rest of the Swedish fleet. During this time, the Swedish Government were advised that the UK Task Force would be returning to the UK where the MH-60R Seahawk could fly from back to its home station.

The entire Maritime Group 1, following the conclusion of Exercise Iron Trident, having ensured it was fully supplied was now beginning its journey back to the UK on the same journey it took. Ready to stand down from operations as Maritime Group 2 enters its full operational capability.

Connor