NATO Allies share maritime mine-clearing techniques to combat a growing international menace
US Navy EOD technicians working with Ukrainian Navy counterparts during Exercise Sea Breeze 24. (Photo: MC2 Jackson Adkins)
The US and many other countries came together to share mine-clearing protocols at Exercise Sea Breeze in the Black Sea, aiming to make navigation pathways safer.
Exercise Sea Breeze 24-3 brought the US Navy together with NATO Allies and partners to conduct mine countermeasures. The demonstration of techniques highlighted the growing maritime mine threat, especially in the Black Sea due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 and Mobile Diving and Salvage Company (MDS) 2–3 worked with their NATO Allies, as well as nations such as Ukraine, to show and share procedures for safe mine recognition and clearance.
The US 6th Fleet led the pre-planning and coordinated logistics, while EODMU 8, usually headquartered in Rota, Spain, led the planning and execution.
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?]()
Is South Korea finally being taken seriously for Western submarine programmes?
South Korean shipbuilders are beginning to make their mark beyond Asia, competing for major North American and European submarine programmes and becoming serious contenders on a global scale.
-
![AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official]()
AUKUS Pillar 2 could narrow focus to “four key areas” says UK official
Few concrete ideas have emerged so far on which “advanced capabilities” will be brought forward under Pillar 2 of the AUKUS partnership, but the Pentagon’s review of the programme could bring more clarity.
-
![Sweden’s decision on four new warships inches closer as it eyes UK, France and Spain]()
Sweden’s decision on four new warships inches closer as it eyes UK, France and Spain
Sweden decided last year that it wanted a significantly larger warship for its Luleå Class programme than originally planned, with three likely contenders that could potentially deliver within the country’s tight schedule.
-
![How the use of artificial intelligence will affect the US Coast Guard’s acquisitions]()
How the use of artificial intelligence will affect the US Coast Guard’s acquisitions
The USCG is pursuing AI tools to improve the way the service conducts its procurement and fielding processes.
-
![MBDA-led DragonFire’s latest trials move the LDEW system closer to UK Navy integration]()
MBDA-led DragonFire’s latest trials move the LDEW system closer to UK Navy integration
The DragonFire lines up with other European laser-directed energy weapons being developed in collaboration with MBDA.
