HMS Duncan will lead the UK in the annual Operation Sea Breeze in the Black Sea along with allied militaries.
Sea Breeze will begin in Ukraine’s Odessa port with HMS Duncan leading the UK’s involvement. Around 3,000 troops from 18 countries along with 32 ships and 24 aircraft are taking part in the exercise which aims to improve support between NATO allied countries.
The UK hosted briefings to begin the exercise onboard the Portsmouth-based HMS Duncan. Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited the ship, with a tour led by the UK’s Ambassador to Kiev Juliette Gough.
Commodore Mike Utley, Commander of the Carrier Strike Group, said: “With a multitude of nations combining a wealth of maritime assets, Exercise Sea Breeze 2019 demonstrates the strength of solidarity between Ukraine and its international partners.”
“From crucial training exercises to long-term political reform – the UK is committed to standing by Ukraine, whilst Russia maintains its illegal annexation of Crimea.”
As a part of the operation, the Royal Navy is teaching Ukranian cadets how to operate equipment at the 198 Naval Training Centre in Mykolaiv. The centre includes a bridge simulator and a Damage Repair Instructional Unit which simulates the flooding compartment of a ship.
Social activities were held between personnel from different nations. A football tournament was laid out on shore for participating troops.
Through the NATO task force Standing Maritime Group 2, HMS Duncan will be providing security for nations along the Strait of Gibraltar and Georgia. The Royal Navy forms part of the force alongside Albanian, Canadian, Turkish, Hellenic, and German ships.
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Black Sea HMS Duncan NATO Royal Navy Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 Ukraine Ukrainian Armed Forces
Post written by: Ciara Houghton
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