Press Release nr 14/07                                                                         Naples 25Sep 2007

NATO NRF EXERCISES PEACE ENFORCEMENT IN ADRIATIC SEA

NATO and partner nations will hold a maritime exercise called Noble Midas 07, from 27 September until 12 October  in the waters adjacent to Split , Croatia.

Approximately 2,000 military and 50 civilian personnel, over 30 ships and submarines and 20 fixed-wing aircraft from NATO and the Croatian Armed Forces will train together in a Crisis Response Operation scenario, where NATO is appointed by the UN to build up an immediate reaction in a fictitious country on the brink of civil war.

The exercise will comprise forces from twelve NATO nations, including The Netherlands, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, Romania, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States of America, as well as two Partner nations Albania and Croatia.

This live maritime and amphibious exercise will focus on NATO RESPONSE FORCE (NRF) operations supported from the sea, and aims to improve standards of interoperability and to test procedures among participating nations. It will also serve to facilitate certification of the next group of forces committed to the NRF, the Alliance’s high readiness force. Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) will play a significant role in the exercise.

The unique design of Noble Midas 07 demonstrates NATO’s ability and desire to ensure that forces from Allied and Partner nations can adequately operate together and permits an assessment of NRF progress. . While sustaining the required readiness of participating forces, it underpins NATO’s ability to continue its mission of maintaining peace and stability through training and co-operation with Partners. 

Noble Midas 07, will be conducted by Allied Maritime Component Command Headquarters Naples (CC-MAR HQ Naples). 

NOTE FOR THE EDITOR: A Press Information Centre (PIC) will be established  in LORA Base Officer Club, Split From 26 September 2007 until 12 October 2007

Media questions prior to the start of the exercise should be addressed to the CCMAR Naples Public Information Office:

CPIO CC-Mar Naples:  CDR Massimo DAICAMPI

Telephone: +390817216521

Fax +390817216446

mdaicampi@jfcnaples.nato.int

Or

STAFF ASST: MCPO Giovanni MALAFRONTE

Telephone: +390817216522

gmalafronte@jfcnaples.nato.int

______________

Allied Press Information Center (Active from 26 September 2007)

APIC Director: Mr Derek Chapple, NATO Civ.

Lora Base, Split Croatia

Telephone: +385-(0)21-380-950

Fax: +385-(0)21-381-092

E-mail: Derek.Chappell@bihdr.nato.int

or

APIC Co-Director: Mr. Drago Kelemen

Lora Base, Split Croatia

Telephone:+0385-(0)21-380660

Mobile: +385 99 2505 976

E-mail: drago.kelemen@vz.t-com.hr  

MEDIA Opportunities:

On 5^th Oct 07, a visit of Principal NATO Commanders will take place close to Split; after which NATO Officials will host a Media Availability at Lora Naval Base, PIC.

Interested journalist must be accredited by bona fide Media organizations (Press ID or accreditation letter). The PIC will register Media representatives for specific event, and escort them during the Media tour. Media opportunities are open to all registered journalists. Due to the limited number of posts for every event, the PIC cannot guarantee attendance by every interested journalist. A daily updated list of events will be available at the PIC