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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)

180608-N-XT273-266 BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, looks out the window of an AW159 Wildcat helicopter in route 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)

A crew member from the USS Harry S. Truman prepares the deck for the arrival of a jet.

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) Midshipman 3rd Class Bryan Garcia, right, from Cumming, Georgia, practices blood draw technique with Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Andy Kim, left, from Fremont, California, aboard the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 10. 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)

180614-N-NG710-495 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)

180608-N-XT273-352 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)

Admiral Robert P. Burke, Commander of the Allied Joint Force Command in Naples, 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.

180603-N-XT273-210 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 3, 2018) Military Sealift Command civil service mariners and Sailors aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) man the bridge 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)

180609-N-XT273-1103 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) A member of the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry Regiment signals to a line handler from aboard a combat rubber raiding craft during a joint personnel recovery exercise with the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) 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)

220915-N-PJ626-0035 NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY NAPLES, Italy (Sept. 15, 2022) Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, departs after the U.S. Sixth Fleet & Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) change of command ceremony held onboard Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy, Sept. 15, 2022. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) operates U.S. naval forces in the U.S. European Command (USEUCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. U.S. Sixth Fleet is permanently assigned to NAVEUR-NAVAF, and employs maritime forces through the full spectrum of joint and naval operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kaila Peters)

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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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Members of the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry Regiment observe a German Sikorsky S-61 twin-engine helicopter as it approaches 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 7, 2018) U.S. Marine Maj. Joseph Murphy, commander, landing force, 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, answers questions from foreign media on the flight deck of 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)

180614-N-XT273-343 BALTIC SEA (June 14, 2018) Sailors 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)

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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)

180606-N-XT273-268 GDYNIA, Poland (June 6, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, right center, meets with Polish Rear Adm. Miroslaw Mordel, inspector of the Polish Navy, in Gdynia, Poland, 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 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180608-N-XT273-454 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 7, 2018) Members of the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry Regiment prepare to embark AAV-P7/A1 assault amphibious vehicles, attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit, in the well deck of 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)

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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, 2019. 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 prepare for 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)

180603-N-XT273-043 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 3, 2018) The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) 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)

180603-N-XT273-157 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 3, 2018) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey Prall, left, Operations Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Castillo, center, and Operations Specialist Chief Hugo Suarez, shift colors 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)

180602-N-NG710-010 BALTIC SEA (June 5, 2018) The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) sails alongside the German Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) for a replenishment-at-sea in the Baltic Sea during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 5. 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 Justin Rankin/ Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Seaman Zimir Wilkins, right, mans a line on the boat deck of 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 8, 2018) Members of the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry Regiment carry a combat rubber raiding craft into 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)

180606-N-XT273-335 GDYNIA, Poland (June 6, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, meets with Polish Rear Adm. Miroslaw Mordel, inspector of the Polish Navy, in Gdynia, Poland, 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 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180609-N-XT273-1211 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 7, 2018) Ensign Cody Keim greets international media members 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)

Various NATO warships move into position during BALTOPS 23 as the sun sets.

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.

180606-N-XT273-467 GDYNIA, Poland (June 6, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, gives a plaque to Polish Rear Adm. Miroslaw Mordel, inspector of the Polish Navy, in Gdynia, Poland, 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 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180602-N-NG710-005 BALTIC SEA (June 5, 2018) The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) sails alongside the German Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) for a replenishment-at-sea in the Baltic Sea during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 5. 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 Justin Rankin/ Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Gabrielle Howell, from Rochester, New York, instructs a hose team to back out of the space during a simulated fire drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 12. 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)

180601-N-NO901-007 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 1, 2018) Sailors stationed aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) participate in a cultural exchange with Lithuanian students June 1, 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 Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class James Decker/ Released)

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KIEL, GERMANY (June 15, 2018) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Gabrielle Howell, from Rochester, New York, heaves a line to the pier 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)

180615-N-XT273-1584 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, greets Richard Grenell, U.S. Ambassador to Germany, speak aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) June 15, 2018, in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week. 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)

180604-N-XT273-1176 180604-N-XT273-1176 BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO, right, speaks with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 11, 2018) Sailors and midshipmen attend sexual assault prevention and response training aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, 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 Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180603-N-XT273-037 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 3, 2018) A tugboat guides 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)

180601-N-NO901-013 180601-N-NO901-013 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 1, 2018) Sailors stationed aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) participate in a cultural exchange with Lithuanian students June 1, 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 Religious Programs Specialist 1st Class James Decker/ Released)

180611-N-XT273-775 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)

180611-N-XT273-967 KARLSKRONA, Sweden (June 11, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, and Rear Adm. Jens Nykvist, Royal Swedish Navy chief of staff, wave 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)

180606-N-XT273-111 GDYNIA, Poland (June 6, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, meets with Polish Rear Adm. Miroslaw Mordel, inspector of the Polish Navy, in Gdynia, Poland, 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 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 7, 2018) Capt. Brian J. Finman, deputy commodore of Amphibious Squadron 4, answers questions from media correspondents 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Marines assigned to the Romanian 307th Naval Infantry Regiment stage gear before loading into an amphibious assault vehicle attached to the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during a simulated amphibious assault while participating in BALTOPS 2018 June 4. 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)

180611-N-XT273-098 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)

180604-N-XT273-530 180604-N-XT273-530 BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO, second from left, speaks with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) 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)

180606-N-XT273-147 GDYNIA, Poland (June 6, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, meets with Polish Rear Adm. Miroslaw Mordel, inspector of the Polish Navy, in Gdynia, Poland, 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 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180606-N-XT273-240 GDYNIA, Poland (June 6, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, right center, meets with Polish Rear Adm. Miroslaw Mordel, inspector of the Polish Navy, in Gdynia, Poland, 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 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180605-N-XT273-032 BALTIC SEA (June 5, 2018) The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) approaches the German Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) for a replenishment-at-sea in the Baltic Sea during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 5. 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)