Dec. 9 – The bilateral Italian-Tunisian exercise Oasis, which takes place from today to Sunday in the waters of eastern Sicily, aims at enhancing and strengthening the capacity of co-operation between the Italian and Tunisian naval forces in maritime search and rescue (SAR), commercial traffic oversight and monitoring, combating illegal activities, and the search and removal of ordnance found at the bottom of the sea. Now in its 12th edition, the exercise is part of a series of cooperation activities that the Italian Navy shares with countries bordering the Mediterranean. This year, the entire activity was planned by the Augusta Forces Command patrol. Italy participates in the exercise with the Offshore Patrol Orion aboard the Tremiti, a SH-212 helicopter from the second group of helicopters at the Station of Catania, an inspection team of the Marina San Marco Brigade, and a team of underwater divers from the Augusta Service for anti insidious means defense. Tunisia takes part with the Tunis Patrol, Class III Series, an inspection team and a team of divers. The tutorial includes a stop in the port of Augusta, and will involve crews in social and cultural activities thus strengthening the already excellent relationship between the two navies. The “LIVEX” phase at sea will be held Thursday and Friday, with search and rescue exercises, the inspection of suspect merchant vessels by inspection teams – including the use of helicopters – and the research and safeguarding of explosive devices found at the bottom of the sea. (Red)
