NATO Allies and partners commenced the 25th iteration of the maritime exercise Sea Breeze in Brăila, Romania, on June 9. This exercise brings together NATO allies and partners to conduct maritime, air, and land command and control and security operations with a focus on mine countermeasure and dive operation mission areas.
Sea Breeze is an annual multinational maritime exercise led by the U.S. Sixth Fleet to enhance interoperability and capabilities among participating forces. Sea Breeze 2025-1 is hosted by the Romanian Armed Forces at Smardan Range until June 20. The exercise includes joint training events, live fire ranges, and concludes with a final integrated exercise simulating an amphibious raid in the Black Sea region. This marks the first time since 2021 that amphibious operations are included in Sea Breeze.
“Exercises such as Sea Breeze improves communication and cooperation between the United States and Romania, as well as all our NATO Allies and partners, readying our forces to respond to emerging threats. That kind of unity – on land and sea — is what keeps the NATO alliance strong and our nations secure,” stated U.S. Chargé d’affaires Michael Dickerson.
U.S. participation during Sea Breeze 2025 involves support personnel from the U.S. Sixth Fleet, U.S. Marine Forces Europe, U.S. Expeditionary Warfare Training Group Atlantic, II Marine Expeditionary Force, and Marine Reserve Forces. Countries involved as participants, mentors, or observers include Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova, and Türkiye.