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Wednesday, 18 July 2012 13:09 |
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In Odessa, the Ukrainian-American exercises Sea Breeze 2012 started, the main theme of the exercises - An international security operations at sea.
During the exercises, the most attention will be paid to the fight against piracy and international cooperation and collaboration in the fight, according to Acting Commander of Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vice-Admiral Yuri Ilyin.
The American side of the exercise will be headed by the commander of the 6th U.S. Fleet, Vice Admiral - Frank Pandolfo. It should be noted that the air, land and diving components will be also worked out.
Almost all planned events will be held in Odessa region, as well as at the sites in the north-western Black Sea. In general, the exercises will be attended by 17 countries, including the soldiers of the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Bangladesh and Qatar.
The Ukrainian side will be presented by 6 ships and boats, military tactical group of marines with about 300 men, 36 units of Tank-Automotive Technology, the plane Be-12, Ka-27 and Mi-14, etc. 1.3 thousand people will participate in the exercise.
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Ukrainian-US Sea Breeze exercise series have been held since 1997 in accordance with the memorandum on understanding and cooperation on defense and military relations between the U.S. Department of Defense and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine from 1993. They are held to train and increase the combat readiness of naval forces - the Armed Forces of Ukraine on a bilateral basis, but they are open to other countries.
As reported on April 24, this year Sea Breeze exercises in Ukraine will be attended by the soldiers from the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Bangladesh and Qatar for the first time. |