NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria (July 18, 2019) ¬– Marines assigned to Fleet Anti-terrorism Security Team Company, Europe (FASTEUR) participated in Exercise Platinum Lion 2019 at Novo Selo Training Range, Bulgaria, July 8-19, 2019.
During the exercise, the Marines trained with their Albanian and Bulgarian counterparts to improve their proficiency in several tactics, including close-quarter battle techniques.
“The Platinum Lion 19 joint training is being planned in order to enhance interoperability and capabilities among the participating countries in conducting joint operations in a multinational environment”, said Bulgarian Col. Marin Gospodinov, an officer conducting the exercise.
The culminating event for the exercise was a simulated raid in which the Marines worked next to the Alabanian and Bulgarian service members to take control of a fictitious village.
“Exercises like Platinum Lion give us the opportunity to share tactics that help us maintain a safe and secure Black Sea region,” said Marine Capt. John Clauss, FASTEUR platoon commander. “Training together in this environment builds camaraderie and strengthens relationships with everyone who participates.”
Other units that participated in other events throughout the exercise came from the U.S. Army, Georgia, Moldova, Romania and Serbia
Platinum Lion is a Bulgarian-hosted multinational maritime exercise held at the Novo Selo Training Range in Bulgaria that is designed to improve operational and tactical interoperability among participating units.