By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
On June 24, 2024, the U.S. 6th Fleet and the Royal Navy inaugurated the Exercise Sea Breeze in Glasgow, Scotland. This exercise is a collaborative mine countermeasure initiative involving the U.S. Navy, Royal Navy, and Ukrainian Navy, continuing a tradition that started in 1997.
According to Commodore Capt. Geoffrey Townsend, Commander of Task Force (CTF) 68, “Sea Breeze 2024 offers a vital opportunity for Allies and partners to enhance interoperability and prepare for a post-conflict Black Sea region.” The exercise aims to tackle the challenges mines pose to maritime safety, global food security, and commerce.
Sea Breeze 2024-1 centers on the integration and command and control of Mine Countermeasure Vessels, with a Ukrainian task group headquarters augmented by international staff officers and mentors. In addition, Commodore Dmytro Kovalenko, Chief of Training Command of Ukrainian Navy Command said that “Training with NATO and our partners across the European theater is crucial.” Countries and organizations participating, observing, or mentoring during Sea Breeze 2024-1 include Bulgaria, Estonia, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Japan, NATO Maritime Command (MARCOM), Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The U.S. contribution to Sea Breeze 2024-1 involves ten exercise support personnel from the 6th Fleet’s CTF-68 and four personnel from a U.S. Expeditionary Warfare Training Group (EWTG). Later this year, the U.S. 6th Fleet and Bulgarian Naval Forces will co-host Sea Breeze 2024-2 and 2024-3 in Bulgaria.
According to Royal Navy Commodore Steven Banfield MBE, Co-Chair of the Maritime Capability Development Coalition for Ukraine, he stated that “Training and growing the Ukrainian Navy’s capabilities will support the global long-term objective of ensuring a safe and prosperous maritime environment in the Black Sea”. He further stated that this activity is vital for supporting Ukraine’s economy by guaranteeing the free flow of maritime trade.
Of course, the Ukrainian Navy is actively advancing its mine countermeasures (MCM) capabilities, showcased during the exercise. The backbone of Ukraine’s emerging MCM capability consists of two former Royal Navy Sandown-class minehunters, now rechristened as Cherkasy and Chernihiv. These vessels, previously known as HMS Shoreham and HMS Grimsby, were transferred to Ukraine through the UK/Ukraine/Norway Maritime Capability Coalition (MCC) program, initiated in December 2023. Currently stationed at HM Naval Base Portsmouth, the ships and their crews are undergoing intensive training with Royal Navy personnel.
Both MCM vessels are actively participating in the ‘Sea Breeze’ exercise, where the Ukrainian Navy is also contributing to the command and control (C2) of the exercise task group. This group includes the Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group 1 (SNMCMG1), led by the German Navy’s Elbe-class replenishment vessel, FGS Donau.
Rear Admiral Thomas Wall, Commander Submarines, NATO (COMSUBNATO) at MARCOM, emphasized the importance of this exercise stating that “this mission focuses on a progressively trained and prepared Ukrainian MCM task group staff, capable of tactical planning for MCM operations with allocated forces in line with NATO standards.”
Despite not having an MCMV capability deployed in the Black Sea due to the Montreux Convention restrictions, Ukraine has adapted by utilizing uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) for MCM tasks in the region. The closure of the Bosporus/Dardanelles straits by Türkiye has prevented Cherkasy and Chernihiv from sailing to their home waters, yet the necessity for Black Sea de-mining remains critical.
Furthermore, the exercise’s emphasis on mine countermeasures is timely and strategic. The Black Sea’s geopolitical significance has been underscored by the conflict in Ukraine, where naval mines have become a pervasive threat to maritime navigation and safety. The use of advanced mine countermeasure vessels and the development of joint command and control capabilities are critical components of maintaining secure maritime trade routes.
Witnessing the collaborative spirit and technical prowess of the participants in Sea Breeze 2024 is inspiring. The dedication to enhancing maritime security and supporting Ukraine’s naval capabilities reflects a profound commitment to shared goals and values. The progress made by the crews of the Chernihiv and Cherkasy is particularly commendable, demonstrating resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
