A US naval aviator conducts pre-flight checks.

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 naval aircrewman looks out to USS Mount Whitney while airborne.

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.

US Naval aircrewmen prepare to board 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.

180615-N-XT273-008 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Sailors aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) man the rails 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)

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KIEL, GERMANY (June 15, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) arrives in Kiel, Germany June 15, 2018. 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)

180603-N-XT273-226 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 3, 2018) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey Prall uses binoculars aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) as the ship departs Klaipeda, Lithuania, June 3 during exercise Baltics 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) A German Sikorsky S-61 twin-engine helicopter departs the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) after a joint personnel recovery exercise 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)

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LISBON, Portugal (May 29, 2019) Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) delivers remarks 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)

180609-N-XT273-3107 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)

180608-N-XT273-1070 BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, receives a gift from Cmdr. William King, commanding officer of the Royal Navy frigate HMS Monmouth (F235) in the Baltic Sea, 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 1st Class Justin Stumberg/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 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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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Landing Craft Utility 1656 departs the wells deck of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) with an M1A1 Abrams tank, attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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)

180603-N-XT273-169 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 3, 2018) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey Prall, left, and Operations Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Castillo fold the American flag aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) as the ship departs Klaipeda, Lithuania, June 3 during exercise Baltics 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)

180614-N-XT273-414 BALTIC SEA (June 14, 2018) Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, U.S. 6th Fleet, and USS Mount Whitney staff pose for a group photo aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) June 14, 2018, 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)

180614-N-XT273-143 BALTIC SEA (June 14, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), speaks to STRIKFORNATO and U.S. 6th Fleet staff aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) June 14, 2018, 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 6, 2018) AAV-P7/A1 assault amphibious vehicles, attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, approach the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 6. 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)

An SH-60 Seahawk helicopter ranged on the aft flight deck of 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).

Seen here alongside at Portland Harbour, Dorset, UK.

180614-N-NG710-037 BALTIC SEA (June 14, 2018) Vice Adm. Clive Johnstone, commander, NATO Allied Maritime Command, is piped aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) June 14, 2018, 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 2nd Class Daniel Rankin/Released)

180614-N-NG710-086 BALTIC SEA (June 14, 2018) Royal Navy Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, deputy commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, greets Royal Danish Navy Adm. Soren Thinggaard Larsen, standing NATO Maritime Group One commodore, aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) June 14, 2018, 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 2nd Class Daniel Rankin/Released)

180608-N-XT273-959 BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, visits Royal Navy sailors aboard the Royal Navy frigate HMS Monmouth (F235) in the Baltic Sea, 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 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Landing Craft Utility 1656 departs the well deck of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) with an M1A1 Abrams tank, attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Landing Craft Utility 1656 transits alongside the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) with an M1A1 Abrams tank, attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, 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)

180607-N-XT273-721 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)

180615-N-FP878-012.KIEL, GERMANY (June 15, 2018) Cmdr. Patrick Murphy, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) works with a German pilot boat captain while pulling into Kiel, Germany June 15, 2015. 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).

180608-N-XT273-1196 BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, speaks with Cmdr. William King, commanding officer of the Royal Navy frigate HMS Monmouth (F235) in the Baltic Sea, 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 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

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KIEL, GERMANY (June 15, 2018) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) arrives in Kiel, Germany June 15, 2018. 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)

180609-N-XT273-132 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark (June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visits the crew of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF-7) in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, 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)

180612-N-XT273-202 BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, exchanges gifts with Turkish Capt. Serhat Demir, commanding officer, aboard the Gabya-class frigate TCG Gediz (F495) June 12, 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 7, 2018) Navy Capt. Brian J. Finman, deputy commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4, answers questions from a media correspondent aboard the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 7. 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-XT273-647 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark (June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visits the crew of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF-7) in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander U.S. 6th Fleet and commander Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO and Dalia Grybauskaite, the president of Lithuania, shake hands before departing the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Members of the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry Regiment carry a combat rubber raiding craft in 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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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Members of the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry Regiment participate in a joint personnel recovery exercise with 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)

180612-N-XT273-426 BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, poses for a portrait with Turkish Capt. Serhat Demir, commanding officer, aboard the Gabya-class frigate TCG Gediz (F495) June 12, 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)

180614-N-XT273-219 BALTIC SEA (June 14, 2018) Three MH-60 Seahawk helicopters from Denmark and the U.S. conduct a flyby of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) June 14, 2018, 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 2nd Class Daniel Rankin/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) 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) on a combat rubber raiding crafts 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 15, 2018) Sailors man the rails as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) arrives in Kiel, Germany, June 15, 2018. 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)

180609-N-XT273-918 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark (June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visits expeditionary mine counter measures and clearance diver units in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, 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)

180608-N-XT273-227 BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, boards an AW159 Wildcat helicopter to visit the Royal Navy frigate HMS Monmouth (F235) in the Baltic Sea, 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 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

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KIEL, GERMANY (June 15, 2018) Sailors handle a mooring a line after the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) arrives at the pier in Kiel, Germany, June 15, 2018. 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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KIEL, GERMANY (June 15, 2018) Cmdr. Patrick Murphy, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96), works with a German pilot boat captain while the ship arrives in Kiel, Germany June 15, 2018. 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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KIEL, GERMANY (June 15, 2018) A German tug boat assists the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) as the ship arrives in Kiel, Germany, June 15, 2018. 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)

180609-N-XT273-815 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark (June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO, takes photos with the crew of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF-7) in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, 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)

180609-N-XT273-881 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark (June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visits the crew of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF-7) in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, 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 crew member from the USS Harry S. Truman stands on deck awaiting the arrival of a plane 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.

180604-N-XT273-1605 180604-N-XT273-1605 BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Danish Iver Huitfeld-class frigate HDMS Iver Huitfeldt (F 361), Lithuanian Flyvefisken-class patrol ship P15, and an Helicopter Support Squadron (HSC) 28 MH-60S Seahawk helicopter demonstrate capabilities in the Baltic Sea June 4, 2018, during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). 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)

General Tod D. Wolters, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) salutes as he boards 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.

180614-N-XT273-204 BALTIC SEA (June 14, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), speaks to STRIKFORNATO and U.S. 6th Fleet staff aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) June 14, 2018, 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)

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.

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TALLINN, Estonia (June 4, 2016) - From left to right: Capt. Sten Sepper, commander of Estonian Navy; Rear Adm. Roy Kitchener, chief of staff, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO); Rear Adm. P.A. McAlpine, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO; Vice Adm. James Foggo III, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, STRIKFORNATO; Rear Adm. José Enrique Delgado, commander, Standing NATO Maritime Group 1; and Rear Adm. Francesco Covella, deputy chief of staff operations STRIKFORNATO, hold a media conference for local press aboard the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) moored in Tallinn, Estonia, June 4, 2016. BALTOPS is an annual recurring multinational exercise designed to improve interoperability, enhance flexibility, and demonstrate the resolve of allied and partner nations to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alyssa Weeks/Released)