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Sea Breeze 2010 Participants Hold Anti-Piracy Raid Rehearsal

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100716-09
7/16/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kristopher Regan, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

TENDRA, Ukraine (NNS) -- Service members aboard Ukrainian ship LST Konstantn Olsnanskly (U 042) participated in an anti-piracy raid rehearsal in Tendra, Ukraine, July 15, as part of exercise Sea Breeze 2010.

Ukrainian Marines from Ukraine's 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 the week.

"This is just one portion of the exercise that we will do on July 21 and July 22," 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 during the exercise. Two MI-8 helicopters also flew in simultaneously from Shiroky Lan Air Field for added support.

Leahy also added 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. The exercise includes 1,600 military and civilian participants from Azerbaijan, Belgium, Denmark, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Moldova, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine and the United States.