US, Ukrainian Forces Wrap Up Exercise Sea Breeze

The annual U.S.-Ukraine co-hosted multinational training exercise Sea Breeze 2015 concluded in Odesa, Ukraine and the Black Sea Sept. 12, 2015.

Maritime forces from 11 allied and partnering nations participated in the 14th iteration of Sea Breeze. This year’s exercise included training at Ukrainian naval bases, airfields, and land bases, training within the Black Sea, and an additional exercise relative construction military port. The annual exercise seeks to enhance interoperability and strengthen regional security.

The at-sea phase focused on maritime interdiction operations as a primary means to enhance maritime security.

Specific skill sets tested in the at-sea phase included maritime interdiction operations, anti-submarine warfare, and self-defense against small boat attacks.

Other tested warfare areas include air defense, damage control, search and rescue, and other tactical maneuvers.

U.S. participation in Sea Breeze 2015 included approximately 400 Sailors, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) and a P-3C Orion from Patrol Squadron (VP) 9.

Participating nations include Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Italy, Moldova, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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Image: US Navy