German, Polish Navies Forge Maritime Security Cooperation

Expanding cooperation in the field of maritime security was the main subject of the German – Polish bilateral talks held between January 29 and 31 in Gdynia (Poland). Vice admiral Ryszard Demczuk, Deputy Commander of the Polish Navy and Rear admiral Jürgen Mannhardt, responsible for development of the German Navy, were leading the delegations.

During their meetings five working groups discussed on 28 cooperation areas of both navies. International crew education in both navies’ training facilities and exchange of experience in operational field were among those areas mostly discussed. The exchange of personnel within international exercises at sea was also agreed upon. The views on the main directions of development and modernization of both navies were also exchanged.

Polish and German Navies cooperate mainly within international exercises at sea, port visits and staff talks. Annually both navies have several occasions to cooperate within multinational exercises under Partnership for Peace, Weimar Triangle and NATO auspices. At present Polish and German minehunters (ORP ‘Czajka’ and FGS ‘Weilheim’) cooperate together within Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One – SNMCMG1.

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Naval Today Staff, February 4, 2013; Image: Polish Navy