US and Ukrainian Navies Hold Surface Warfare Drills

On 30 January 2021, the US and Ukrainian Navies staged tactical exercises in the Black Sea.The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) and Military Sealift Command Henry J. Kaiser-class underway replenishment oiler USNS Laramie (T-AO-203) were joined by a Ukrainian Navy tactical boat group consisting of UKRS Kostopol (P 180),UKRS Nikopol (P 176) and Island-class patrol boat UKRS Starobilsk (P 191), plus a Ukrainian Navy MI-14 helicopter.They practised tactical manoeuvring while operating with a High Value Unit,USNS Laramie.The vessels drilled small boat attack responses and surface warfare exercises while USS Porter watch-standers got small-caliber arms training, the Ukrainian Navy said.Their operations in the strategic Black Sea strengthened interoperability among NATO Allies and Partners and demonstrated collective resolve to secure the Black Sea under Operation Atlantic Resolve.* According to USS Porter CO CDR Thomas Ralston: We definitely learned from each other and strengthened our partnership...I look forward to future opportunities to evolve our interoperability with the Ukrainian Navy.* US Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet explained that: It is in the world's best interest to maintain a stable, prosperous Black Sea Region and deter aggressive actors who seek destabilization for their own gain.* The drills were conducted in accordance with NATO standards and procedures as the warships carried out joint maritime operations as part of multinational tactical groups.The PASSEX (Passing Exercise) consisted of tactical manoeuvring elements; signaling practise; lighting in areas of intensive civilian navigation; communications;air defence;and repelling enemy attacks that were carried out in a certain area.* The USNS Laramie is crewed by 74-89 civilian mariners.*