The annual ESP MINEX 25 exercise kicks off in Balearic waters.

Until May 16, the Spanish Navy is organizing, and leading, the annual mine countermeasures exercise ESP MINEX 25 off the Balearic coast. The exercise will engage 12 surface ships, an SH-60F helicopter, members of the MCM Diving Unit and more than 500 personnel from allied nations like Belgium, Unites States and Turkey, among others.

During the operation, the contingent of this multinational naval force will be supported by NATO’s Standing Mine Countermeasures Group number Two (SNMCMG-2) as well as elements from the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR).

The responsible authority of the whole Exercise will be COMTEMECON, (Commander of the MCM Force) embarked, along with his deployable Staff, on board the offshore patrol vessel ‘Furor’ (P-46).

The Group will call at the port of Mahon (Menorca) on May 9–11 where a series of open-door days of the Spanish ships will be arranged for the local population.