The fifth activation of the mine countermeasure group in the Black Sea (MCM Black Sea) has begun. Its beginning was given today, June 11, with an official ceremony held in the port of Burgas. It was attended by the commander of the flotilla of combat and auxiliary ships, Fleet Admiral Radko Penev, the commander of the MCM Black Sea, Captain I Rank Pavlin Petkov, and the commander of the tactical mine countermeasure group in the Black Sea, Captain I Rank Lachezar Ivanov.
The fifth activation of the mine countermeasure group in the Black Sea will involve the auxiliary ship “Captain I Rank Dimitar Dobrev“ and the mine hunter “Struma“ from the Navy of the Republic of Bulgaria, minesweeper “Chigulescu“ from the Navy of Romania and minesweeper “Akcakoca“ from the Navy of the Republic of Turkey.
In his greeting to the crews, Fleet Admiral Radko Penev stated that the servicemen of the mine countermeasure group are prepared to neutralize any possible mine danger. “Our joint efforts are needed not only in response to the dangers caused by the imminent war, but also as a demonstration of the unquestionable commitment of our countries to ensuring free maritime spaces now and in the future“, emphasized the commander of the flotilla of combat and auxiliary ships. He noted that, in accordance with the rotation principle, the next command of the mine countermeasure group will be taken by the Romanian Navy in July this year. “Our joint actions will be increasingly tangible and increasingly valued and will contribute to increasing the security and safety of shipping in the Black Sea“, Fleet Admiral Radko Penev was categorical.
In January 2024, a memorandum was signed between Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey on the establishment of a Mine Countermeasures Group in the Black Sea (MCM Black Sea), with the task of ensuring the safety of maritime traffic and combating the threat of sea mines.