As part of the NATO-led vigilance operation Baltic Sentry, the Finnish Navy ship MLC Hämeenmaa visited the Minesweeper in Tallinn on January 31. During the visit, participants in the minelaying course at the Naval Academy had the opportunity to see how the Finns organize minelaying.
“It is good to note that there are no major differences between our activities and those of our northern neighbors. It is also important that such cooperation between us and Finland continues and develops, as joint training provides both sides with valuable knowledge and experience,” said Lieutenant Kevin Must, Assistant Commander of the EML Wambola, who participated in the course.
During the training, the Finnish Navy introduced the Estonians to their equipment and procedures. The Estonian Navy participants were able to see the MLC Hämeenmaa team in action during a simulated mine-laying exercise in Tallinn Bay. The participants also had the opportunity to try their hand at the exercise themselves.
“Cooperation between the Estonian and Finnish navies has always been good and hopefully will continue to improve. We have been cooperating with the Estonians before joining NATO and this has become increasingly closer. We are extremely proud of our skills and professionalism and it is always good to share this with others,” said Lieutenant Nicolás Kalvi, Operations Officer of the Finnish Navy ship MLC Hämeenmaa.
The Finnish Navy ship MLC Hämeenmaa, which arrived in the Mine Harbour on the evening of January 30, is one of two coastal minelayers of the same name. MLC Hämeenmaa is in service with the 7th Surface Warfare Squadron of the Finnish Navy’s Coastal Fleet.
Baltic Sentry 25 is a NATO-led vigilance operation in the Baltic Sea, launched on January 14, 2025, aimed at preventing threats to critical underwater infrastructure.