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The biggest NATO anti submarine warfareexercise Proud Manta (previously known as NOBLE MANTA) will be conducted in the Ionian Sea to theSoutheast of Sicily between 4 – 17 February 2011.
Ten NATO nations, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States, will provide 6submarines, 19 aircraft (including ship based helos) and 8 surface ships.
According to NATO the aim of theexercise is to enhance the operational proficiency andinteroperability of the participating forces across a broad spectrumof potential tasks, roles and missions of the NATO Response Force(NRF). The exercise also provides a challenging operationalenvironment to test new doctrine, tactics; and equipment.Participants will practice the tactics and techniques currently beingused in ongoing NATO operations such as Active Endeavour and Ocean Shield as well as other war fighting skills to maintain the high levelof readiness expected of NATO forces.
Order of Battle for Proud Manta 11 is:
| Surface Ships | |||
| F-930 | BNS Leopold 1 | Frigate | Belgium |
| D-641 | FS Dupleix | Destroyer | France |
| F-214 | FGC Lübeck | Frigate | Germany |
| D-554 | ITS Caio Duilio | Destroyer | Italy |
| A-5326 | ITS Etna | Replenishment Tanker | Italy |
| F-575 | ITS Euro | Frigate | Italy |
| A-5366 | ITS Levanzo | Tender | Italy |
| DGG-55 | USS Stout | Destroyer | USA |
| Submarines | |||
| S-113 | HS Proteus | Type 209 / 1100 | Greece |
| S-73 | SPS Mistral | Agosta | Spain |
| S-524 | ITS Longobardo | Imp. Sauro | Italy |
| S-354 | TCG Sakarya | Type 209 / 1400 | Turkey |
| S-349 | TCG Batıray | Type 209 / 1200 | Turkey |
| SSN-691 | USS Memphis | Los Angeles | USA |
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