MH-60 Romeo: First appearance for anti-submarine helicopters in the exercise “CATAGE 24”

In the great exercise of “KATAGE 24” they made their first appearance, the newly acquired state-of-the-art anti-submarine MH-60 Rome reportedly by Onalert.gr. These are the three powerful helicopters that the Navy has had since March last. And while training of crews who staff the “submarine killers” continues at a very intensive pace, the Naval Staff considered that the crew of time arrived for the participation of Romeos in their first large-scale exercise. Helicopters participated in a number of scenarios with an emphasis of course on the anti-submarine war. They took off from their nest at the Kotroni Marathon and flew to the Central Aegean in areas where surface units of the Fleet had already been developed and submarines. The first “taste” from Romeos took part in objects of anti-submarine warfare, and not only, giving a first taste of their great potential but also the opportunity for their crews to co-educate in the Aegean environment. The first impressions confirm the reputation of the powerful helicopters, which are considered worldwide the most capable “treaters” of enemy submarines. Although the road until the MH-60 Romeos become fully operational and the crews become fully initiated in their secrets is long, they all show that their acquisition gives them an important advantage to the Navy to conduct a perfectly successful anti-submarine war throughout the marine environment of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean. During the exercise “KATIGID 24”, Romeo attempted from their Base to Marathon without joining the fleet frigates, however it is not late the day that MH-60R will become organic helicopters both in the older Main Surface Units, i.e. the four NEKO frigates and the six modernized frigates S, as well as in the new Belharra frigates, “KIMON”, “NEARCHOS” and “FORMS”. The combination of state-of-the-art French frigates with the top anti-submarine helicopters will be a reference point and nightmare for enemy submarines. Within 2026 the Navy is expected to receive from the US and the remaining four Romeos, to complete the total number of seven MH-60 Romeos of the 1st Helicopter Squadron which will replace the aged AB-212. Helicopters for lobsters MH-60R helicopters are described as “submarine hunters” rather than unfairly, as they have sophisticated tracking and impacting systems. Greek MH-60 Romeo comes with the second generation infrared FLIR system AAS-44 of Raytheon that offers expanded night vision and missile guidance AGM-114 Hellfire. In addition, they feature modern 70mm APKWS rockets with laser guidance capability, 25-seat launcher for AN/SSQ-36/53/62 sound buoys, advanced AN/AQS-22 sonar, pillars for MK-46 torpedoes, Penguin guided missiles and external fuel tanks. In fact, these are lobster helicopters with the most advanced sensors and very high capabilities in the network war. Along with the highly reliable S-70 Aegean Hawks will be the “long hand” of the frigates and the “shield” of all Surface Units against any threat. With the main mission of the anti-submarine war and capabilities in the surface war but also a role in Research/Rescue missions (SAR). At a time when the neighboring country places type 214 anaerobic propulsion submarines in service, which greatly enhance Turkey’s potential below sea level. At the same time, in Kotroni Marathon, work on the construction of the new modern substable continues to continue, which will house the newly acquired “game changer” helicopters of the Fleet. At the same time, the Navy Staff, given the shortages of Staff in all combat Units, is racing a road race in order to reinforce with personal operators and technicians the 1st Helicopter Squadron. The first “core” Staffs, who have already been trained in the US and continue in Greece after the first three Romeos, will be the instructors for Romeo’s “new blood”. Whether it’s new executives from production schools and OPP recruitments, or staff from the withdrawal AB-212. By Kostas Sarika / Source: Onalert.gr