As DANEX 07 is now coming to a close I would like to thank each and every one of you for a professional, spirited and safe conduct throughout the exercise.

Not everything went according to plan and not all training objectives have been fully achieved. However, considering the abnormal weather for this time of the year, the unusually high number of OPDEFs plus a very complex and ambitious exercise programme, you all came through with flying colours seen from my point of view.

I hope you all got most of the training that you came for and that you now sail for home with a positive experience and a little better prepared for modern maritime close-to-coast operations in a joint and combined littoral environment. My staff and I certainly take away a great number of lessons (re)learned concerning both exercise planning and commanding a multinational force.

It has been an honour and a pleasure having you under my command and I hope to meet you all again sometime soon. Until then, fair winds and following seas.

Signed

CDRE Palle Cortes, RDN
COMDATG