Capt. Troy Pappas, a civilian who is a retired U.S. Navy officer, commands the ship. The DOLORES is home ported out of Little Creek, Va. and was requested by the Deep Submerge Unit (DSU) at Little Creek to work for SUBLANT during this exercise. Pappas served in the Navy for 29 years, 27 of those as a Navy diver. This is the first time the DOLORES will participate in a SORBET ROYAL exercise.

Pappas is excited about being a part of the NATO exercise. "While I was in the Navy, I had been a part of a number of NATO exercises, though never stationed at a NATO headquarters or command," said Pappas. "I enjoy the experience of working with the different NATO nations Navies. I like to see how they operate and how they run their ships."

According to Pappas, the DOLORES is the only U.S. flag vessel assigned to support the exercise. Currently, the ship is moored along side the Danish ship GUNNAR SEIDENFADEN. The two ships will work quite closely during the exercise.

The ship has a crew of eight personnel and can accommodate 30 embarkees. According to Pappas, the U.S. Navy is embarking 30 Sailors from San Diego, Ca. who will assist in the rescue and salvage operations.

The DOLORES is a self-sustained ship. "The crew takes care of the ship and each other. We have our own medical facility, galley, lounge area, laundry room and sleeping quarters," said Pappas. "The ship provides us with the best accommodations so the crew and embarkees can work hard and take care of their personal affairs as well. We have a very good level of quality of life onboard while we are underway."

A few of the ship’s crew had prior military experience, including a former U.S. Marine Corps mess specialist and a Navy linguist. According to Pappas, the ship usually operates with a Seal team out of Little Creek and it usually conducts operations along the Eastern coast of the U.S. and the Caribbean. The DOLORES has also conducted aircraft salvage operations, such as the recovery of Egypt Air aircraft.

Pappas has high praise for the ship’s Danish host. "The personnel and facilities at Naval Base Frederikshavn has been great with providing us any assistance we need during our stay," said Pappas. " The city of Frederikshavn has welcomed us with open arms, everyone we meet is friendly and we are truly enjoying our time here."

SORBET ROYAL is the fifth NATO sponsored live Submarine Search and Rescue Exercise. The exercise is conducted every three to four years and takes place from May 21 – 31.