The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) departed Odessa, Ukraine, July 13, to participate in the at-sea portion of exercise Sea Breeze 2017.

Sea Breeze is a U.S. and Ukraine co-hosted multi-national maritime exercise held in the Black Sea and is designed to improve training value for participants and enhance flexibility and interoperability. The exercise provides the opportunity for personnel of participating nations to engage in realistic maritime training to build experience and teamwork.

"Sea Breeze is a fantastic opportunity to build trust and initiate communication among the participating nations," said Capt. Dan Gillen, commanding officer, Hue City. "Stability and security in the region is essential, and this exercise allows for participating naval forces to operate and train together in the Black Sea."

Both ships arrived in Odessa, July 10. Hue City, a part of the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group, hosted various distinguished visitors for a reception associated with the exercise and held tours of the ship, while Carney attended the opening ceremony and the pre-sail conferences for Sea Breeze2017.

While in port, Sailors of both ships had the opportunity to see the many sights that Odessa has to offer before beginning the at-sea portion of the exercise.

"We are thankful for the hospitality of our Ukrainian hosts," said Cmdr. Peter Halvorsen, commanding officer, Carney. "Odessa is a beautiful city with a vibrant culture and rich history. Now underway, we are thrilled to participate in the first part of the at-sea phase of Sea Breeze 2017. We always look forward to improving our capability to work together with our allies and regional partners."

This is the 17th iteration of Sea Breeze and will feature air, land, sea and amphibious forces from 16 allied and partner nations.

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