The Danish crew stands on the ship and looks towards the coast, where shells are landing banging against the sandy soil. Together with 19 allied nations and one partner nation, Denmark is engaged in the major NATO activity Neptune Strike, which this week involves shooting from Peter Willemoes at target targets in Oksbøl Øvelsesterræn.
“The frigate Peter Willemoes has a central role in this part of Neptune Strike. We deliver very precise artillery fire on land targets based on input from a British spotter helicopter and in this way support a coastal land operation,” says naval captain Kenneth Buur Jensen, who is commander of the frigate Peter Willemoes.
Artillery fire involves a British AW159 Wildcat helicopter and US special operations soldiers coordinating fire from the Danish frigate. The British helicopter takes off from HMS Queen Elizabeth, which is the largest European aircraft carrier.