U.S. Navy EOD Enhances exMCM Skills with Global Allies at Sea Breeze 2024 Exercise

VARNA, Bulgaria – From September 9-20, 2024, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 and Mobile Diving and Salvage Company (MDS) 2-3 joined NATO allies and partners for Exercise Sea Breeze 24-3. This exercise focused on addressing maritime mine threats, improving demining capabilities, and bolstering Black Sea regional security.

Sea Breeze, in its 23rd iteration, was originally co-hosted by Ukraine and the U.S. 6th Fleet to enhance interoperability among participating forces.

For the 2024 session, U.S. 6th Fleet led the pre-planning and logistics coordination, while EODMU 8, a command under Commander Task Force 68, took charge of planning and executing the operations. Nations such as Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Japan, Norway, Romania, Sweden, Türkiye, Ukraine, and the U.S. participated or observed.

“EOD Mobile Unit 8 operates with outstanding professionalism,” remarked Cmdr. John Kennedy, commander of EODMU 8. “Exercises like Sea Breeze enhance our collective agility and interoperability for future operations in the Black Sea.”

Since February 2022, over 100 floating mines have been countered by allied forces due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This increases the necessity for large-scale demining efforts post-conflict.

Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, emphasized the goal of improving freedom of navigation in the region through enhanced training and interoperability.

The floating mines in the Black Sea present significant dangers to civilian shipping, export activities, and overall maritime security.

Cmdr. Kennedy highlighted their efforts, stating, “We’ve practiced our standards and techniques alongside our allies, building confidence for explosive threat mitigation in the Black Sea.”

NATO members, including Bulgaria, Romania, and Türkiye, formed the Mine Countermeasures Task Group Black Sea to address the mine threat collectively.

This cooperation underscores the critical role of collective security efforts in bringing stability back to the region.

Exercises such as Sea Breeze showcase the dynamic cooperation between international forces, improving tactical and strategic interoperability.

“The greatest value from Sea Breeze is understanding how each unit operates and learning to coordinate for a combined force,” stated Lt. Jon Miller, EOD company commander at EODMU 8.

MDS Company 2-3, part of Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 2 (MDSU 2), focused on diving and salvage training, including surface-supplied diving and underwater welding with partners from Ukraine and Romania.

Chief Navy Diver Michael Christensen noted, “This training offers real-world experience crucial for harbor clearance amidst ongoing conflict.”

Navy EOD plays a vital role in maintaining sea control, ensuring safe navigation, and protecting maritime interests.

CTF 68 supports various operations within the 6th Fleet, providing essential disposal, construction, and security services.

EODGRU 2 operates worldwide, deploying skilled Navy EOD and diver forces for diverse combat and support missions.