From February 22 to 4 March took place in the vast area east of Sicily, affecting the Ionian Sea, and to the south as far as Malta, the exercise "Dynamic Manta 2016" (DYMA 16), one of the most important advanced training activities of anti-submarine struggle organized by NATO.
The goal is to maintain a high capacity in planning, coordinating and conducting complex operations in an aerial, surface (ASUM) and underwater (ASW) scenario and at the same time to train forces from different countries to work together.
8 different nationalities participated in naval, submersible and aircrafts: France, Germany, Greece, Italy, United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, USA. In terms of logistics, Italy, the host country, provided support from the Augusta and Sigonella bases.
The Navy has played a fundamental role and ensured a massive participation of men and vehicles, with a frigate, (Libeccio), a submarine (Todaro), an EH101 helicopter, two submarine instructors and other personnel. The Navy has also provided logistical support for all participating countries, with the involvement of the Maritime Command of Sicily.
During the various phases of the exercise a team of experts in NATO techniques and tactics worked from the Sigonella base to elaborate analysis reports, fundamental to verify the effectiveness of the actions and provide necessary indications to the units at sea.
The Air Force has contributed its operational logistics, gained both nationally and internationally, by making the Sigonella airbase available in order to provide DYMA 16 with full support, both technical (planning and coordination with the operating rooms). , flight authorizations, weather assistance and air traffic control) and logistics (aircraft parking, transport of personnel), to the aircraft structures and related crews deployed in France, USA, United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Turkey as well as to all NATO personnel Maritime Air Command (COMMARAIRNATO) which operated from Sigonella.
