site.btaMine Countermeasures Black Sea Task Group Ends 5th Activation

The 5th activation of the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea (MCM Black Sea) Task Group ended with a ceremony at the Varna Naval Base on Friday. Taking part in this activation were the auxiliary ship Kapitan 1st Rank Dimitar Dobrev and the minehunter Struma of the Bulgarian Navy. Starting from July, the Romanian Navy will assume command of the group for the next six months.

The MCM Black Sea Task Group was established in January 2024, following the signing of a memorandum between Bulgaria, Romania and Turkiye, with the main goal of ensuring that the Black Sea is free of mines and safe.

Rear Admiral Kiril Mihaylov, Commander of the Bulgarian Navy, expressed his gratitude to the crews for their dedication both in preparing for and carrying out the mission. According to him, the Bulgarian Navy has once again proven its ability to fulfill any assigned task, to ensure maritime safety, and not only to contribute to allied missions and exercises but also to successfully lead such operations independently.

Mihaylov extended special thanks to the group’s command, the ship commanders, and the crews who made every effort to ensure the successful completion of the activation. “The importance of these efforts is well known. When the memorandum of understanding was signed, the goal was to ensure safe maritime spaces,” he recalled.

Mihaylov underscored that the execution of this mission is a joint responsibility of the navies of Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkiye. “By carrying out this mission, we continue our efforts to ensure the safety of commercial shipping. This is a cause we are committed to,” he added.

“Through your actions at sea and the organization of the mine countermeasures group's activities, you have proven that Bulgarian naval personnel stand with dignity among NATO forces. Together with our regional allies and with the support of the countries that backed this activation, we are capable of meeting the challenges,” Mihaylov said.

He also announced that he would propose commendations to the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence for those who contributed most significantly to the mission's success.

No drifting mines were discovered during the 5th activation.