SS Mount Whitney LCC-20

USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) is one of two Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ships of the United States Navy and is the flagship and command ship of the United States Sixth Fleet. USS Mount Whitney also serves as the Afloat Command Platform (ACP) of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO).

Mount Whitney is claimed to be the most sophisticated Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) ship ever commissioned.

She incorporates various elements of the most advanced C4I equipment and gives the embarked Joint Task Force Commander the capability to effectively command all units under their command.

Seen here alongside at Portland Harbour, Dorset, UK. An SH-60 Seahawk helicopter is ranged on her flight deck

SS Mount Whitney LCC-20

USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) is one of two Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ships of the United States Navy and is the flagship and command ship of the United States Sixth Fleet. USS Mount Whitney also serves as the Afloat Command Platform (ACP) of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO).

Mount Whitney is claimed to be the most sophisticated Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) ship ever commissioned.

She incorporates various elements of the most advanced C4I equipment and gives the embarked Joint Task Force Commander the capability to effectively command all units under their command.

Seen here alongside at Portland Harbour, Dorset, UK.

A MH-60 Seahawk helicopter parks on the flight deck of USS Mount Whitney.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

A US Navy sailor stands guard on the USS Paul Ignatius.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

General Tod D. Wolters, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) salutes as he prepares to leave the USS Harry S. Truman during Neptune Shield 22.

The carrier strike group led by the USS Harry S. Truman is participating in Neptune Shield 22, a multinational maritime vigilance activity held between the Baltic, Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas from 17 to 31 May 2022. For the second time this year, the Truman Carrier Strike Group has come under the command of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), testing its ability to conduct complex maritime operations as part of a larger multinational force.

USS Mount Whitney moves into formation during BALTOPS 23.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

180607-N-XT273-698 BALTIC SEA (June 7, 2018) A Mk41 Sea King from the Type 702 Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) conducts a joint personnel recovery exercise, June 7, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

German Navy sailors discuss tactics on the German GS Bayern during BALTOPS 23.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

Ships participating in exercise BALTOPS disperse after conducting a navigation drill in the Baltic Sea June 8, 2017. SNMG1 and SNMCMG1 are participating in the STRIKFORNATO-led exercise.

USS Mount Whitney moves into formation during BALTOPS 23.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

NAPLES, Italy - Seventeen NATO and partner nations will participate in the 43rd iteration of the multinational maritime exercise BALTOPS 2015 in Poland, Sweden, Germany, and throughout the Baltic Sea, June 5-20, 2015.

BALTOPS is an annually reoccurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region.

Quick Facts:

•Approximately 5,600 ground, maritime and air forces from participating nations will conduct air defense, maritime interdiction, anti-subsurface warfare, and amphibious operations in a joint environment.

• While BALTOPS remains a U.S.-led exercise, Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) is responsible for executing this year’s exercise.

• BALTOPS is an exercise that brings together both NATO and non-NATO countries to increase interoperability in the spirit of the Partnership for Peace program.

• A total of 49 ships, 61 aircraft, one submarine, and a combined landing force of 700 Swedish, Finnish, and U.S. troops are scheduled to participate.

• Participants in BALTOPS 2015 include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

• U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

A MH-60 Seahawk helicopter conducts vertical replenishment from USS Mount Whitney to German GS Bayern during BALTOPS 23.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

A MH-60 Seahawk helicopter conducts tactical manoeuvres during BALTOPS 23.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) A Sailor runs across the flight deck after removing chocks and chains from a German Sikorsky S-61 twin-engine helicopter aboard the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 8. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

180609-N-XT273-3059 BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2018) Thirty maritime units ships from 12 nations maneuvered in close formation for a photo exercise, June 9, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 in the Baltic Sea. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

A F/A 18F Super Hornet multirole fighter jet prepares to take off from the deck of the USS Harry S. Truman during Neptune Shield 22.

The carrier strike group led by the USS Harry S. Truman is participating in Neptune Shield 22, a multinational maritime vigilance activity held between the Baltic, Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas from 17 to 31 May 2022. For the second time this year, the Truman Carrier Strike Group has come under the command of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), testing its ability to conduct complex maritime operations as part of a larger multinational force.

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BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, addresses the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) over the 1-MC during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released).

USS Mount Whitney LCC-20

USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) is one of two Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ships of the United States Navy and is the flagship and command ship of the United States Sixth Fleet. USS Mount Whitney also serves as the Afloat Command Platform (ACP) of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO).

Mount Whitney is claimed to be the most sophisticated Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) ship ever commissioned.

She incorporates various elements of the most advanced C4I equipment and gives the embarked Joint Task Force Commander the capability to effectively command all units under their command.

Seen here alongside at Portland Harbour, Dorset, UK.

AN SH-60 SeaHawk helicopter is ranged on her flight deck

HMS Sabre, a Royal Navy Patrol Boat is in the top left hand corner of the image

180609-N-XT273-2006 BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2018) Thirty maritime units ships from 12 nations maneuvered in close formation for a photo exercise, June 9, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 in the Baltic Sea. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

A German Navy sailor looks for possible threats during a drill in BALTOPS 23.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

191110-N-AS200-1089 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 10, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), left, speaks with Capt. Cassidy Norman, commanding officer of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), while preparing to disembark, in the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 10, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

180609-N-XT273-2465 BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2018) Nations participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 maneuvered units in close formation for a photo exercise, June 9 in the Baltic Sea. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2018) The Gabya-class frigate TCS Gediz (F-495), right, and the Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate HDMS Niels Joel (F363) transit alongside the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during a photo exercise for exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 9. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

General Tod D. Wolters, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) shakes hand with a senior ranking officer from the USS Harry S. Truman during Neptune Shield 22.

The carrier strike group led by the USS Harry S. Truman is participating in Neptune Shield 22, a multinational maritime vigilance activity held between the Baltic, Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas from 17 to 31 May 2022. For the second time this year, the Truman Carrier Strike Group has come under the command of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), testing its ability to conduct complex maritime operations as part of a larger multinational force.

180611-N-XT273-631 KARLSKRONA, Sweden (June 11, 2018)

Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, visits the Royal Swedish Navy Visby-class Corvette HMS Karlstad (K35), during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 in Karlskrona, Sweden, June 11. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

SS Mount Whitney LCC-20

USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) is one of two Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ships of the United States Navy and is the flagship and command ship of the United States Sixth Fleet. USS Mount Whitney also serves as the Afloat Command Platform (ACP) of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO).

Mount Whitney is claimed to be the most sophisticated Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) ship ever commissioned.

She incorporates various elements of the most advanced C4I equipment and gives the embarked Joint Task Force Commander the capability to effectively command all units under their command.

Seen here alongside at Portland Harbour, Dorset, UK.

On the other side of the wharf is Bulk Carrier MV NORDLOIRE. Just forward of her is cable layer CS Sovereign.

180609-N-XT273-2926 BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2018) Thirty maritime units ships from 12 nations maneuvered in close formation for a photo exercise, June 9, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 in the Baltic Sea. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

A German Navy sailor looks out the window to look for possible threats during a simulated exercise in BALTOPS 23.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

180611-N-XT273-1056 KARLSKRONA, Sweden (June 11, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, walks with Rear Adm. Jens Nykvist, Royal Swedish Navy chief of staff, during a visit to the Royal Swedish Navy Visby-class Corvette HMS Karlstad (K35) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 in Karlskrona, Sweden, June 11. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180609-N-XT273-2171 BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2018) Thirty maritime units ships from 12 nations maneuvered in close formation for a photo exercise, June 9, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 in the Baltic Sea. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

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LISBON, Portugal (May 29, 2019) Adm. James G. Foggo III, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and commander, Joint Allied Force Command Naples, Italy, left, Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), right, and Royal Navy Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, at a Distinguished Visitor (DV) event, led by STRIKFORNATO, in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the final event of Formidable Shield 2019, May 29, 2019. U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nelson/Released)

180607-N-XT273-347 BALTIC SEA (June 7, 2018) Sailors assigned to the Helicopter Support Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 conduct a joint personnel recovery exercise, June 7, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

A US Navy sailor looks out the bridge as USS Mount Whitney moves into formation during BALTOPS 23 .

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

180611-N-XT273-1265 COPENHAGEN, Denmark (June 11, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, exchanges gifts with Adm. Torben Mikkelsen, Danish chief of the navy, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 11. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180609-N-XT273-2555 BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2018) Nations participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 maneuvered units in close formation for a photo exercise, June 9 in the Baltic Sea. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

US Navy sailors stand guard on the USS Mount Whitney while leaving the port of Tallinn, with USS Paul Ignatius in the background.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

USS Paul Ignatius moves past USS Mount Whitney in a formation exercise during BALTOPS 23.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Sailors tend a line as members of the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry Regiment depart the well deck of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during a joint personnel recovery exercise for exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 8. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

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KIEL, Germany (June 21, 2018) Electronics Technician 3rd Class Matthew Baughman handles line as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) departs Kiel, Germany, following a scheduled port visit June 21, 2018. Bainbridge, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180615-N-XT273-148 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class William O'Neil mans the rails aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney while arriving in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week 2018 June 15. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

German Navy sailors discuss tactics on the German GS Bayern during BALTOPS 23.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

A US Navy aviation electrician maintains the MH-60 Seahawk helicopter.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

180607-N-XT273-715 BALTIC SEA (June 7, 2018) A Mk41 Sea King from the Type 702 Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) conducts a joint personnel recovery exercise, June 7, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

A MH-60 Seahawk helicopter conducts vertical replenishment from USS Mount Whitney to German GS Bayern during BALTOPS 23.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.

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KIEL, Germany (June 16, 2018) Lt. Colin Bakey explains how a helicopter lands during a tour of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) while in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week 2018 June 16. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert will allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Members of the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry Regiment approach the well deck of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) on combat rubber raiding crafts during a joint personnel recovery exercise in support of exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe that is designed to enhance the flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

180607-N-TJ319-0162.

BALTIC SEA (June 7, 2018) An assault amphibious vehicle attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (26th MEU) departs the well deck of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 7, 2018. Exercise Baltic Operations is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released).

180609-N-XT273-2967 BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2018) Thirty maritime units ships from 12 nations maneuvered in close formation for a photo exercise, June 9, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 in the Baltic Sea. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) BALTOPS 2018 participants, foreign military officials and dignitaries, Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander U.S. 6th Fleet and commander Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO and Dalia Grybauskaite, the president of Lithuania observe an amphibious assault vehicle depart the well deck of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during a simulated amphibious assault during BALTOPS 2018 June 4, 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

A US naval aviator conducts airborne operations.

Twenty nations, 50 ships, more than 45 aircraft and 6,000 personnel are participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023, an annual maritime exercise. Held in the Baltic Sea, this year’s iteration started on 4 June and will continue until 16 June, giving NATO Allies and partners a chance to practise large-scale maritime and amphibious operations. Led by the US Navy’s Sixth Fleet, the exercise is controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), NATO’s maritime operational staff. While Finland has participated in previous iterations of the exercise, this year marks the first time the country participates as a NATO member country.