ODESA, APRIL 26th, 2013, CONTEXT-PRICHERNOMORIE ― Planning of joint Ukrainian―United States exercises Sea Breeze 2013 has been completed in Odesa, Context-Prichernomorie correspondent reports.

Department of Press and Media Relations of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine reported today, 26 April.

According to the Department, on the basis of the final planning conference of joint Ukrainian―United States exercises in the spirit of “Partnership for Peace”, Sea Breeze plan for the manoeuvres was finalized and approved.

Training will last two weeks under the guidance of the deputy commander of Naval Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Combat Training — Chief of Combat Training rear-admiral Denis Berezovsky and the representative of the United States Navy Captain 1st Rank James Eykn.

It is planned that in the maritime manoeuvres will be involved about 15 warships and vessels, among them ― three frigates, a large landing ship and fast patrol boat. Also in the exercises will be used military aviation of Ukraine, the United States and Germany, about 20 pieces of armoured hardware, specialized machines of the State Service for Emergency Situations of Ukraine.

During the exercises, the participants will work skills to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the humanitarian evacuation operation and maintenance of stabilization actions on the ground.

Organizers of the Sea Breeze 2013 plan for the first time to make a manoeuvre element of suddenness. It will allow appraising comprehensively the decisions and actions of the commanders of units involved in the manoeuvres.

Also, representatives of the command of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces and the US Navy within the exercises agreed to hold an action of social assistance to several Odesa schools.

Joint Ukrainian―United States exercises Sea Breeze 2013 will start July 8, 2013 in Odesa.