Ukrainian Navy Commander Sums Up Adequate Reaction 2011 Exercise

27.10.2011 Ukrainian Navy's Military Council convened on Oct 25 to summarize Adequate Reaction 2011 exercise held in Sept 12-30 under general supervision of Ukrainian defense minister.

Presiding the session, Ukrainian Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Maksimov said in opening address that the Adequate Reaction 2011 exercise "became a considerable step towards development of Ukrainian Navy".

"Chief of General Staff of Ukrainian Armed Forces Gen. Col. Grigory Pedchenko attended the exercise two times and appreciated actions of naval servicemen. On the other hand, there were some defects we should work on. Therefore, it is necessary to draw appropriate lessons in order to improve combat readiness, tactical and professional skills", said the Navy Commander.

His deputy, Vice Admiral Yury Ilyin analyzed actions of military administrative authorities during the exercise. According to him, main purpose of research was to assess capabilities of naval administrative authorities to control forces. Most of managing agencies of the Navy Command, Naval Operations Center, and Coast Defense Center conducted all activities responsibly which helped to complete training tasks and reach the exercise goals, said Ilyin.

"Capability of the Navy to react adequately on potential threats and challenges was evaluated at the exercise in the context of new organizational structure of 2017. In addition, knowledge and management skills of admirals and commanding officers were improved, as well as integration level of control agencies and their interaction with other branches. Numerous innovative ideas regarding further development of the Navy were implemented during the Adequate Reaction 2011 exercise", pointed out VADM Yury Ilyin.

According to Ukrainian Navy Deputy Commander, basic problem revealed was insufficient level of theoretical knowledge and practical skills of some officers; that needs appropriate conclusions and corrections to be made.

Capt 1 rank Andrei Tarasov, acting Navy Deputy Commander for Combat Training reported on tactical drills held during the exercise. According to him, all scheduled practical activities were conducted in predetermined terms and volumes, no violations of safety measures occurred.

According to Tarasov, 43 tactical drills were held during the exercise. The largest of them were battalion tactical fire drill at Opuk range and marine company tactical drill at Nikolayevka, Odessa region. The latter one implied landing and counter-terror operations at coastal zone.

About 30 warships, boats and supply vessels, 35 coast defense units, 300 wheeled and tracked vehicles, 14 aircrafts (including 7 naval ones), and over 3,500 men were involved in practical phase of the Adequate Reaction 2011 exercise, added Capt 1 rank Andrei Tarasov.

Summarizing the military council's session, Ukrainian Navy Commander Admiral Viktor Maksimov stressed the necessity to eliminate defects and problems found and to consider them while planning of training activities for 2012.

Upon results of the Adequate Reaction 2011 exercise, group of officers were awarded certificates of merit by the order of Ukrainian Navy Commander.