Romanian and US naval special forces have been training together, including in close combat, maritime interdiction and boarding operations.

The Americans were US East coast based SEALs, while their hosts were the 164th Romanian Naval Special Operations Forces (ROUSOF). The 164th ROUSOF is a highly specialised unit of the Romanian Naval Forces (RNF) which carries out direct action missions, special reconnaissance and maritime operations.

A senior US Navy SEAL explained that “working alongside allied Romanian special operators provides us with the ability to further enhance our capabilities, in order to meet operational demands. These opportunities are not only invaluable for the SEALs, but also the numerous support personnel who enable us to complete our mission in a joint environment.” In the Black Sea it is currently a dangerous one.

Photos: MCS1 Bill Carlisle/US Navy.