U.S. Navy liaison officers observed and advised aboard Bulgarian, Romanian, and Turkish ships conducting training activities within Bulgarian territorial waters. These vessels are part of the recently established Black Sea MCM Task Group, which was formalised earlier in 2024 to address maritime security threats in the region.
“Poseidon is a demonstration of our collective commitment to a safe and prosperous Black Sea,” said Capt. Jeremy Wheat, commodore of Task Force 68. The annual exercise featured MCM operations, floating mine response training with live demolition charges, and diving operations to practise locating and neutralising bottom mines.
Commander John P. Kennedy, commanding officer of EODMU 8, praised the collaboration with NATO Allies. “We achieved various MCM training objectives with our highly capable Bulgarian, Romanian, and Turkish partners,” he said. Kennedy also expressed gratitude to Bulgaria for hosting the event and to the Allies for their invitation to participate aboard their ships.
The exercise marked the third activation of the Black Sea MCM Task Group since its formation. Türkiye held the initial command, with Bulgaria set to take over leadership on 2 January 2025. Task group liaison officers shared insights on regional de-mining efforts and discussed NATO’s role in future operations.
Floating mines remain a significant threat in the Black Sea, with over 120 mines discovered since March 2022, the majority near Ukraine. “Advancing MCM interoperability in this region is crucial at a time of unprecedented risk from floating mines as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine,” Wheat stated.
CTF 68, headquartered in Rota, Spain, oversees U.S. Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces in Europe and Africa. These forces operate in remote and austere environments, bridging the gap between sea and shore. The U.S. Sixth Fleet, based in Naples, Italy, conducts joint and naval operations to promote security and stability in Europe and Africa.
