Mine countermeasures exercise Sea Breeze 2024 has commenced, involving the US 6th Fleet, the Ukrainian navy, the Royal Navy, and other NATO and international partners.
The exercise aims to tackle the threats posed by mines to maritime safety, global food security, and commerce.
According to NATO, the exercise, which focuses on the integration and command of Mine Countermeasure Vessels and a Ukrainian task group HQ, features ships from several NATO members. Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) is participating with the German flagship FGS Donau, the French ship FS Céphée, and the Estonian ship ENS Ugandi.
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They are joined by Ukrainian ships Cherkasy and Chernihiv, which were donated by the UK.
Personnel from Bulgaria, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Japan, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Ukraine, the United States, and the United Kingdom are also participating, many serving as observers and mentors to the Ukrainian staff.
The Opening Ceremony, held on 24 June at Glasgow’s George V Dock, was led by US Navy Commander Bill Williams. Senior officers from the US, Ukraine, NATO, and the UK addressed the participants, highlighting their collective efforts to enhance the Ukrainian Navy’s mine countermeasure capabilities. Our editor George was also there.
Distinguished guests included US Navy Captain Geoffrey Townsend, Ukrainian Navy Commodore Dmytro Kovalenko, US Navy Rear Admiral Thomas Wall, and Royal Navy Commodore Steven Banfield.
Running from 24 June to 5 July, the exercise takes place near Arran, Campbeltown, and the Northern Minches off the coast of Scotland. Participating nations will refine their mine countermeasures tactics, techniques, and procedures during this period.
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Now in its 23rd year, Sea Breeze underscores the Allies’ long-standing commitment to maritime security and cooperation. Rear Admiral Thomas Wall stated, “Exercise Sea Breeze is more than a military exercise; it’s a symbol of our unity and commitment since 1997. Jointly spearheaded by the US Sixth Fleet and Ukraine maritime forces, hosted by the Royal Navy, and backed by NATO Maritime Command, we are all dedicated to enhancing Ukrainian Mine countermeasure capabilities.”
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