– Many people have asked to participate in this special mission

KNM Nordkapp attracts attention. It’s not every day that you see the Faroe Islands armed Norwegian Navy on the River Thames.

The former Coast Guard ship has been given a new role as flagship of a NATO mine-clearing force, and has a clear agenda when it sails for London on February 23.

– Our task is primarily to show NATO’s presence in the allied countries, Commander Captain O. Torsten Sego tells TV 2.

– Good recruiting, despite the seriousness

The commanding captain says the Russian invasion of Ukraine has made the navy more serious.

War is approaching us, and he adds:

– makes you think a little more about what you are doing and about your chosen profession, but personally I also think that it makes more sense. I think a lot of people think so.

Ole Torstein Sjo notes that several recruits have extended their term of service to join the NATO mission, led by KNM Nordkapp, until July 2023.

– The Navy, of course, is grateful to do this, because it greatly increases the striking power of the ship.

From the engine room, Lieutenant Truen stated his dedication:

For my part, I love to explore and experiment. Being involved in such a mission is very exciting.

On the other hand, Private Ivar Englund admits that he felt the seriousness of the mission.

– There is little on the mind, I must admit. But if you do as you’re told, it usually works out fine.

Stoltenberg: – Russia is advancing

February 24 marks one year since Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine.

On the same day, reports came in from the Ukrainian military that Russia had doubled the number of ships in the Black Sea, to at least ten.

– This may indicate preparations for new attacks, military expert Tom Rosth tells TV2.

The European Union responded with another package of sanctions against Russia on February 24, the tenth of its kind. From a press conference held in Poland on February 22, with US President Joe Biden and several NATO countries, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg had the following message:

– Russia and Putin are not preparing for peace, but for more war. We must give Ukraine what it needs to win the war.

The task can be changed

Commander Captain Ole Torsten Seego says he commends the NATO leader for his steadfastness, and says the guidelines NATO imposed on the ship are clear.

We are not a party to the war, and NATO is a defensive alliance. Our tasks as the lead force of NATO’s Maritime Clearance Force must be visible, as well as the removal of mines from the seabed and volumes of water to ensure freedom of movement for troops and merchant ships.

At KNM Nordkapp, however, they decided that the mission could be changed, but it should not be due to NATO efforts, says Commander Captain Sjo:

– It is important for NATO when we sail abroad not to provoke, but we must be very clear that we are here. We are able, and in a worst-case scenario, we should be able to defend NATO members.