Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1497523
ging to the 13th Minesweeper Squadron stationed in Gdynia will probably take part in deployments both within the Polish areas of responsibility, as well as in the allied efforts tied to the provision of maritime security. The sight of all four vessels in one location is probably a rarity. The ORP „Mewa" MCMV is a vessel destined for the detection and neutralization of mine threats, especially with the use of a broad range of UUVs: Kongsberg Hugin, SAAB Double Eagle SAROV, Ga- via, and Głuptak. The vessel has also been fitted with the SHL-101/ TM under-keel sonar, and the Catfish Kraken towed sonar array. Furthermore, it features a Polish OSU-35K artillery system, with a 35 mm gun housed in an unmanned turret, three .50 cal. WKM- -Bm machine guns, and two stations for the Grom MANPADS ope- rators. The presence of the OSU-35K system is the primary feature ORP Mewa MCMV 603 The ceremony was organized at a representative location near Kościuszki Square, and according to the military ceremony cu- stoms, both the representatives of the Armed Forces, as well as the National Security Bureau took part in the event (General Commander of The Armed Forces Wiesław Kukuła, and the head of the National Security Bureau, Jacek Siewiera). The head of the National Security Bureau was the one to present the vessel's commanding officer, Cpt. (N) Bartosz Blaszke, with the Navy flag. The adequate atmosphere was also ensured by the arrival of the minehunting operations command vessel, ORP „Kontradm. Xawe- ry Czernicki", and the previously built Project 258 warships: ORP „Kormoran", and ORP „Albatros". „Czernicki" based in Świnoujście has been used in the structures of the Standing NATO Mine Co- untermeasures Groups many times before. The MCMVs belon- www.fragoutmag.com