HDMS Olfert Fischer (F355) - Operational History

Operational History

Following the Iraqi invasion and occupation of Kuwait at the start of August 1990, the United Nations imposed sanctions against Iraq, and asked that member nations contribute forces to help implement them. On 31 August, the Danish Parliament decided that a single ship, Olfert Fischer, would make up the Danish contribution. The corvette was to enforce the UN sanctions only; she was not to become involved in the developing Gulf War. She was accompanied and supported by a Norwegian supply ship. The Gulf War deployment, which ended in September 2001, was the first time a Danish warship had operated outside the European region. The deployment marked a change in Danish attitudes and actions towards international security and foreign policy.

During 1992, 1994, and 1995, Olfert Fischer was assigned to the NATO Standing Naval Force Atlantic.

The corvette completed her mid-life overhaul in December 2001; she was the last to do so. During the refit, the single octuple Sea Sparrow launcher was replaced with two StanFlex modular mission payload slots (which are normally fitted with two six-round Sea Sparrow launchers), while the air search radar was updated.

In 2003, Olfert Fischer, the submarine HDMS Sælen, and a 380-strong force of soldiers were sent to the Gulf region to support the United States-led invasion of Iraq.

During 2007, the corvette was assigned to the Standing NATO Response Force Maritime Group 1.