Multinational divers conducted a combined diving demonstration during Exercise Sea Breeze 2012 (SB12) at the Ukrainian Western Naval Base, July 19.
Divers demonstrated the proper use of diving equipment and safety techniques, while promoting positive relations between the participating countries.
“We worked side by side with the Ukrainian divers throughout this operation doing different tasks,” said Chief Warrant Officer James Hordinski , officer in charge of Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 2. “We really set a new standard and the bar is set very high for future operations.”
During the demonstration, observers were shown each piece of equipment a diver must use and were briefed on the technical areas of military diving efforts including surface-supplied diving techniques, equipment familiarization, underwater welding and salvage operations.
“The effort over the past couple of weeks between the Ukrainians and the U.S. is the culmination of what Sea Breeze is all about,” said Capt. James Aiken , deputy director of SB12. “ I believe Sea Breeze 2012 contains the building blocks for the future of our international partnership.”
SB12, co-hosted by the Ukrainian and U.S. navies, aims to improve maritime safety, security and stability engagements in the Black Sea by enhancing the capabilities of Partnership for Peace and Black Sea regional maritime security forces.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, July 23, 2012; Image: US Navy