PHOTOS: HMCS William Hall demonstrates Submarine Suppoet capabilities as part of Exercise Viperfish Mercy
The Royal Canadian Navy has released the following images and statement regarding Exercise Viperfish Mercy:
“Canadian-led Exercise Viperfish Mercy Ends on a High Note
The Canadian-led Exercise Viperfish Mercy concluded successfully, with participation from nine nations in the largest annual submarine medical and simulated mass-casualty training exercise. This year’s event was hosted aboard HMCS William Hall/ NCSM William Hall providing a dynamic platform for collaboration and learning.
Participants gained valuable insight into each other’s capabilities in submarine medicine, rescue, and escape procedures, enhancing collective readiness and interoperability. The high volume of simulated casualties and hands-on training offered a unique opportunity to strengthen response coordination and medical proficiency in realistic conditions.”
This isn't the first time the AOPS has been used in a Submarine rescue/support role. They've trained extensively with the NATO Submarine Rescue System (NSRS) in several multinational exercises.
Helps the system is containerized, and as we've seen, the AOPS large flight deck and hanger provide valuable extra space for these kinds of systems to shine. You could use the lower deck, don't get me wrong, however that extra space is valuable in situations like this.
Good use when there's no helicopter available! I stand that a dedicated vessel is of value. The AOPS can do this role, and in a pinch they are available and proven to be able to do it, however I still find a dedicated, larger vessel, with additional capabilities would be of value here as well.
Either way a great demonstration for some of the unsung roles the AOPS can fill. Many tasks like this are oft forgotten by the public at large. We should highlight when cool things like this do happen.
Versatile, flexible, and able to operate in almost any enviornment. Its hard to deny the value the AOPS bring in these regards.