Ships from all Arctic countries except Russia will participate in the exercise off Tromsø, writes the Norwegian military's newspaper Forsvarets forum. The USA is sending the patrol vessel USCGC Calhoun, one of the newest and most modern ships within the American coast guard.
The exercise takes place at a time when the US government has increasingly questioned its commitment to NATO – and simultaneously shown increasing interest in the Arctic, specifically the autonomous Danish territory of Greenland.
According to Norway's naval defense, Sjøforsvaret, the American participation sends "an important signal about American presence and cooperation in the Arctic".
During the exercise on 8-9 April, the ships will train in cooperation on search and rescue, oil spill preparedness, and handling of radioactive accidents.
Sweden is participating with an environmental protection vessel.
