Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria have activated a naval task force dedicated to countering mine warfare in the Black Sea. The top officers of the Turkish, Romanian, and Bulgarian navies met in Istanbul for the launch of the task force. Vice Adm. Mihai Panait emphasized the importance of the task force in addressing regional conflict and ensuring freedom of navigation.
The Black Sea holds strategic importance for NATO, of which all three countries are members. Rear Admiral Yusuf Akyüz commands the task force, charged with ensuring maritime traffic safety against mines and enhancing cooperation among participants. The task force’s activations are scheduled for July 1-16, Sept. 20-29, and Nov. 3-13. Bulgaria will assume command on Jan. 2, 2025, with two activations planned for that year.
The Turkish support ship TCG Yzb. Güngör Durmuş will serve as the flagship for now. Other vessels in the task force include the Bulgarian mine-hunter BGS Struma, the Romanian mine-sweeper ROS Slt. Alexandru Axente, and the Turkish mine-hunter TCG Akçay. The task force will also participate in exercises led by Bulgaria, Turkey, and Romania to improve mine countermeasures skills.
