More than 250 multinational military service members participated in the Sea Breeze 2016 land component demonstration at the Shyrokyi Lan training facility in Shyrokyl Lan, Ukraine, July 21.
The land component of the exercise is designed to showcase the land-based capabilities of NATO allies and partner nations.
“We all have different experience, different skill levels, and have learned differently. It’s all about giving the individual Marine or Soldier the tools they’ll need to go forth and defend their country. If we can all come together, break bread at the end of the day, trade stories, and discuss different ways to solve problems, that means success to me.” said U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Edward Vinogroski, Fleet Anti-Terrorism Security Team (FAST) trainer.
Military personnel from Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, and Georgia have been working with U.S. Marines to practice basic combat skills.
Sea Breeze, now in its 15th iteration, began in 1997 as an annual exercise held in the Black Sea and is co-hosted by Ukraine and the United States. The exercise seeks to enhance interoperability with Black Sea and regional partners and strengthen regional security through air, land and sea components, which tests forces’ capabilities throughout the full spectrum of operations. Sea Breeze 2016 forces will undergo training both ashore and at sea.
The exercise seeks to create realistic training which will allow forces to execute air defense, anti-submarine warfare, damage control, search and rescue, and other missions in support of maritime security and regional stability. Approximately 2,300 personnel from 13 nations are scheduled to participate in this year’s exercise.