La Sea Border is one of the most important exercises organized by the nations participating in the 5 + 5 defense program. The purpose of this exercise is to train crews in maritime security operations, multinational cooperation and countering illegal activities, increasing connectivity, mutual knowledge and information exchange, including through the use of the VRMTC (Virtual Regional Maritime Traffic Center).
After final planning conference hosted in Augusta in September, this year the Navy conducted this activity at the Command of the Patrol Forces.
The participating nations provided their assets in terms of naval units for sea activities and staff for staff operating within the Maritime Operational Center. The French frigate arrived at Augusta Birot, the Portuguese frigate Viana do Castelo, the Maltese patrol vessel P51, the Algerian patrol vessel Rais Corso and the Moroccan corvette Rais Charkaoui, for a total of about 500 sailors employed in sea activities.
The first 2 exercise days were used for conferences and seminars in order to promote dialogue and increase mutual understanding, through the sharing of procedures and professional knowledge.
From 23 to 24 October the naval units left their moorings to conduct the planned activities under the coordination and direction of the tactical commander at sea, captain Umberto Spolaor, aboard Nave Cigala Fulgosi. The unit also hosted the components of a boarding team Tunisian who had the opportunity to operate jointly with the personnel of the Navy Brigade Saint Mark.
Research and rescue activities have been developed for boats and subsequent medical evacuation, with the support of a SH212 of the 2 ° Helicopters Group of Catania, but also activities of boarding between units at sea and simple and complex kinematic maneuvers.
The morning of Friday 25 October the works were completed with the debriefing and the hot evaluation of the results achieved both in port and at sea.
