Country & City: Sweden, Berga/Stockholm.

Date of visit: 2010/06/12

Summary: Home of the 4th Naval Warfare Flotilla & 1st Marine Regiment, Haninge Garrison held a very interesting open day to the public. Access to all types on Navy ships & Marine vessels was allowed, as well as a very hands-on exhibition of all types of weaponry & equipment used by the Marines. A Home Guard detachment was also present with displays & recruitment tent. As Sweden moves away from it´s regular conscript armed forces this year towards a professional army of volunteers, recruitment was a key word this day. Apart from the Navys larger ships, the Marines smaller vessels possibly caught even more attention. Especially Stridsbåt 90 (Combat Boat 90/CB 90) & Hoovercraft 2000, both making displays at sea. Visitors were also taken on patrols following Rangers in the surrounding forest, complete with enemy contact & firefights. As always, the personnel was on top with logistics so parking & dining went smoothly. This was possibly the last Navy Day for HMS Visborg since she is destined for deactivation in 2011. We made sure to have a good look around the ship before leaving!

Link: www.forsvarsmakten.se