Admiral Danish Fleet Rear Admiral Tim Sloth Jorgensen started the morning off by welcoming everyone to Denmark and the Naval Base. "SORO 02 is the fifth Submarine Search and Rescue exercise to be conducted and the second to be observed by non-NATO countries," said Jorgensen. "I welcome our visitors and want to wish everyone a beneficial and safe exercise."

Media interaction is one of the key areas Admiral Jorgensen believes exercise participants and observers need to work with during the next two weeks. "Sorbet Royal has gained a lot of recognition worldwide thanks to the internet and the media," said Jorgensen. "Working with the media during this exercise is very important because it will show justification for spending tax payers money on this type of event, to improve our efforts in saving lives."

Exercise Director and Chief of Staff (COMSUBEASTLANT) Capt. Chris Klyne wants the exercise participants to become the best at submarine rescue. "While participating and observing the exercise, I have three points I want everyone to walk away with," said Klyne. "One, the emphasis we are focusing on the next two weeks is saving lives; two, we had the tools to do this type of mission and we will do so when we are called to do it; and last, now is the time to forge bonds, gain confidence in each other and to correct any issues we may come upon during the exercise."

The conference continued with a brief explanation of the day’s schedule, an explanation of the working groups for each department, distinguished visitor and media days.