The crews of two Cougar transport helicopters took part in Exercise Cold Response to prepare for their participation in NATO operation Ocean Shield.
The helicopters supported the amphibious exercise in Norway with HNLMS Rotterdam as their base. This is the same ship that will be deployed, with Cougars on board, in counterpiracy operations off the coast of Somalia.
Pilots and loadmasters trained in the exercise area at Harstad for certification for carrying out landings on navy vessels. The Cougar detachment combined this with troop movements to and from land, the transport of simulated casualties, and transport between the participating ships. In addition to the Landing Platform Dock HNLMS Rotterdam and the frigate HNLMS Tromp, HMS Illustrious and HMS Bulwark of the Royal Navy also took part in Cold Response.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , March 22, 2012; Image: defensie