The international NATO exercises called “Poseidon 21” began in the Black Sea with an opening ceremony that took place this Saturday in the port of the Romanian city of Constanza. According to the press-service of the Romanian port of Constanta, the soldiers have reported to the host country’s naval forces.
According to NATO SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe), the main objectives of the ‘Poseidon 21’ allied national exercises are:
- to promote mutual understanding, confidence, interoperability and defence cooperation among participating nations;
- to enhance operational capabilities and readiness of all participants;
- to exercise NATO maritime warfare procedures and tactics in a joint interagency, multinational environment;
- to exercise NATO maritime procedures for command, control and communications.
The exercises will last until March 6th in the Black Sea, Romanian waters.
More than 600 soldiers from the United States, Spain, France, Greece, Turkey and Romania are taking part in the military exercises.
Romanian General Staff noted that the exercises will take place held at the sea, on the land and in the air. Poseidon-21 participants will work out scenarios to combat underwater threats, including hydrographic exploration, detection and clearance of sea mines and improvised explosive devices.
In addition, foreign servicemen will teach soldiers how to fight against enemy aircraft, ships and submarines, tow damaged ships, refuel on water and provide first aid to injured soldiers.
The Romanian Navy General Staff added that 13 warships, nine aircraft, a truck with pyrotechnics and an underwater robot were prepared for the Poseidon-21 exercises.