As part of the 8th activation of the Mine Countermeasures Black Sea (MCM Black Sea) Task Group, established by Türkiye, Bulgaria, and Romania to ensure maritime security against the threat posed by drifting mines in the Black Sea; the flagship TCG Üsteğmen Arif Ekmekçi and the minehunter TCG Ayvalık, together with other MCM Black Sea units, conducted training activities off the coast of Burgas, Bulgaria on January 14–15, 2026.