HMS Chiddingfold Engages in NATO Ex Breeze

Royal UK Navy minehunter HMS Chiddingfold has been taking part in an annual NATO workout in the Black Sea.

HMS Chiddingfold is one of four NATO ships that took part in Exercise Breeze 2014 off the Bulgarian coast. The ships are all part of the Standing NATO Mine Counter Measures Group Two (SNMCMG2), one of four fleets that operate on a rotating basis.

The formation was headed by an Italian Navy frigate, ITS Aviere, accompanied by the ITS Rimini as well as the Turkish vessel, TCG Akcay and the Royal Navy’s HMS Chiddingfold.

The aim of Ex Breeze was to improve operational and tactical partnerships between participating units and commands. It was also an opportunity for NATO to exercise many of its component navies.

During the exercise SNMCMG2 engaged with ships and aircraft of the Bulgarian Navy as well as air and naval units from Greece, Italy, Romania, Turkey and the United States.

Chiddingfold, a Hunt Class minehunter, rejoined the Royal Navy’s frontline fleet earlier this year after a maintenance period that saw her capabilities upgraded.

Her commanding officer, Lt Cdr Richard Rees, said: “Exercises of this nature allow sailors from an assortment of navies to come together and engage in realistic and challenging maritime training. They foster a common understanding and allow for greater participation and learning while strengthening regional partnerships.”