By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brian T. Glunt, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, TN — A 2011 Monte Vista High School and 2015 University of Colorado at Boulder graduate and Danville, California, native participated in Sea Breeze 2019, a multinational maritime exercise in the Black Sea, July 1-12.
Lt. Adam Sharma, a U.S. Navy explosive ordnance disposal officer assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8, took part in the exercise which focused on multiple warfare areas including maritime interdiction operations, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, damage control, search and rescue and amphibious operations.
“We rely heavily on our men and women in uniform to remain ready and vigilant in an increasingly complex environment, while they work closely with our NATO allies and partners to ensure regional stability,” said Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. “Each and every sailor and Marine who is here in Ukraine participating in exercise Sea Breeze 2019 is absolutely essential to the success of this exercise, and we could not be more proud of their hard work and commitment.”
As an explosive ordnance disposal officer, Sharma is responsible for diffusing improvised explosive devices and other ordnance.
This was the 19th iteration of Sea Breeze in which naval forces from 19 nations contributed in the annual exercise co-hosted by the Ukrainian and U.S. Navies aiming to improve interoperability while promoting regional security and peace.
Nations scheduled to participate in Sea Breeze include Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Georgia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Romania, Sweden, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“This year we will focus on strengthening our partnerships and building upon the friendships that have been established for years,” said Capt. Matthew Lehmann, commodore of U.S. Destroyer Squadron 60.
U.S. participation included the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Carney, a P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron NINE, Navy Underwater Construction Team-1B, U.S. Marines from Marine Rotational Force-Europe and members of the Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Africa and Commander, U.S. Naval 6th Fleet staffs. In total, approximately 600 U.S. sailors and Marines participated.
“The thing I look forward to most during Sea Breeze is training with the Ukrainian explosive ordnance disposal divers,” said Sharma. “I enjoy everything about being in the Navy.”
To view a video of the exercise, click here.
Leave a Reply