Ukrainian-U.S. joint Sea Breeze naval exercise to start on last day of summer

17:49, 20.08.2015 1 min read

Ukraine and the United States will be holding a naval exercise, Sea Breeze, in Odesa and Mykolaiv Regions and in the northwestern part of the Black Sea from August 31 - September 12.

"The Ukrainian-U.S. naval exercise, Sea Breeze-2015, involving representatives from other countries' navies, is due to be held in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions and in the northwestern part of the Black Sea from August 31 - September 12," a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Armed Forces Navy Command said on Thursday.

The aim of the exercise is to practice a multinational security operation in a crisis region. The exercise aims to increase the level of confidence and security in the region and improve compatibility between the Ukrainian Navy and NATO member and partner navies.

It was reported earlier that the Sea Breeze exercise will involve up to 2,500 military personnel, with Ukraine represented by up to 1,000 troops, up to nine ships, eight helicopters and airplanes, and up to 50 wheeled vehicles; the U.S., by up to 1,000 troops, up to five ships, two submarines and up to 40 wheeled vehicles.