21 June 2002

Exercise Cooperative Partner 2002 An annual maritime and amphibious exercise, Cooperative Partner 2002, is taking place near Constanta, Romania, and in the Black Sea, from 21 June to 6 July 2002. It aims to train NATO member and partner countries to work together in humanitarian and peace support operations and to test progress made in interoperability. According to the exercise scenario, NATO and partner forces must provide support and relief to the civilian population after an earthquake, at the same time as restoring law and order in an uncertain environment. More than 5000 personnel from eight NATO countries (France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States) and five partner countries (Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, and Ukraine) are participating. NATO's Standing Naval Force Mediterranean, Mine Countermeasures South and NATO's Southern Region Headquarters are also taking part. The exercise is being conducted by Headquarters Allied Naval Forces South (HQ NAVSOUTH) and supported by Headquarters Naval Striking and Support Forces Southern Europe (COMSTRIKFORSOUTH). NATO coordinates several military exercises with partner countries each year. These exercises help maintain the operational readiness of NATO forces and contribute to greater security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region. Additional information: Allied Forces Southern Europe (AFSOUTH): Exercise Co-operative Partners 2002 Photos