Sea Breeze 2010 Participant Hold Anti-piracy Raid Rehearsal

Photo By Senior Chief Petty Officer Kristopher Regan | A Ukrainian PTS-2 amphibious assault vehicle boards the Ukrainian ship LST Konstantn Olsnanskly following an anti-piracy exercise in the Black Sea during exercise Sea Breeze 2010. Sea Breeze is an invitational combined and joint maritime exercise in the Black Sea with the goals of enhancing Black Sea nation maritime security capabilities and improving Black Sea theater security cooperation strategies. Sea Breeze is the largest exercise this year in the Black Sea including 20 ships, 13 aircraft and more than 1,600 military members from Azerbaijan, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Moldova, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and United States.  

TENDRA, UKRAINE

07.15.2010

Story by Seaman Kristopher Regan 

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

TENDRA, Ukraine—Service members aboard Ukrainian ship LST Konstantn Olsnanskly participated in an anti-piracy raid rehearsal on Tendra island, July 15, as part of exercise Sea Breeze 2010.

Ukrainian Marine 1st and 2nd divisions, from Shiroky Lan Air Field, stormed the beaches of Tendra from amphibious assault ships and helicopters to simulate a landing on an island taken over by pirates.

“We are practicing anti-piracy techniques so we can effectively handle any situation that may arise in the future,” said Ukrainian Rear Adm. Viktor Nosenco, commander of Ukrainian navy for Sea Breeze 2010 and deputy commander of Ukrainian naval forces.

The rehearsal was held in preparation for an extensive 2-day live evolution that will be taking place later on in week.

“This is just one portion of the exercise that we will do on July 21st and 22nd,” said Capt. Steven Leahy, Sea Breeze maritime component commander. “It is a scenario driven counter piracy activity, since anti-piracy is a primary concern with many countries.”

Konstantn Olsnanskly released more than 75 marines aboard amphibious assault ships PTS-2 and ETR-80 during the exercise. 2 MI-8 helicopters also flew in simultaneously from Shiroky Lan for added support.

Leahy also add that all 12 participating countries will have an active role in the anti-piracy exercise and working together will build stronger bonds and increased experience for all nations.

Sea Breeze is a two-week maritime exercise designed to enhance interoperability and maritime security operations of developing Black Sea-nations. 1,600 military and civilian members from Azerbaijan, Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Moldova, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and United States will be participating in SB 10, making it the largest exercise in the Black Sea this year.

• Date Taken: 07.15.2010
• Date Posted: 07.16.2010 12:33
• Story ID: 52941
• Location: TENDRA, UA