The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) entered the Black Sea, July 9th, 2017, in order to participate in the multinational exercise Sea Breeze 2017. Sea Breeze is an annual recurring exercise that will focus on a variety of warfare areas to include maritime interdiction operations, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, damage control tactics, search and rescue, and amphibious warfare.

Sea Breeze is currently in its 17th iteration and is co-hosted by the United States and Ukraine, with the participation of 17 allied and partner countries. Hue City will participate in multiple phases of Sea Breeze, in conjunction with other U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps assets.

"We're building strong relationships here, which are crucial to peace and stability in the region." said Capt. Dan Gillen, commanding officer. "Our presence and participation in Sea Breeze bolsters confidence and reassures our allies and regional partners of our commitment to security in the Black Sea. We are excited for this opportunity to be an integral part of continuing progress between all participating nations."

The ship's operations in the Black Sea and as a part of Sea Breeze are meant to enhance maritime security, support regional stability, and demonstrate naval capability and capacity with our allies and partners.

Following the exercise, Hue City will continue to conduct maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations as part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group (GHWBCSG).

GHWBCSG is comprised of the staff of Carrier Strike Group 2, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, Destroyer Squadron 22 staff, the Alreigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Laboon (DDG 58) and USS Truxtun (DDG 103), and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruisers USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) and Hue City.


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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.