It's a multi-nation naval excercise that was known about in public months before Russia invaded Georgia, to those that follow naval news/blogs. Not a thing bizarre of fake about it.
Maybe it was not linked to tensions over Russia, but it is now.
As to the humanitarian aspect of the mission: Is it possible to send an LHA/LHD through the straits into the Black Sea? I’m sure the Russians would get their panties in a twist if a ARG were to sail into the Black Sea, but is their any treaty that would prevent transit?