War games conclude in Black Sea

ODESSA, Ukraine, July 28 (UPI) -- U.S.-led forces Monday wrapped up war-games operations in the Black Sea with the support of 16 countries and some 2,000 personnel, officials said.

Exercise Sea Breeze 2008 coordinated its annual mission from the Black Sea and several training facilities based in Ukraine, the U.S. European Command said in a statement.

"Everyone participating in this exercise should be very proud of the level of interoperability and cooperation that was achieved among the sea, air and land components as well as among nations," Sea Breeze Deputy Commander U.S. Navy Capt. John Moore said.

More than 200 U.S.-led training missions followed a brief multinational communications test. Four countries trained on close to 50 sorties to practice para-drops, deploying some 400 paratroopers for anti-submarine missions and search-and-rescue operations.

Sixteen ships conducted similar operations, deploying a six-nation dive team to conduct reconnaissance operations and demining activities.

"We completed the training we set out to accomplish, and we have strengthened the already strong partnerships among our countries," said Ukrainian Adm. Viktor Maksimov.