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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)

180609-N-XT273-1178 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 10, 2018) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jonathan Giguere and Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Joshua Sheik await ready deck status as a CV-22 Osprey, attached to the 352d Special Operations Wing, prepares to depart the flight deck of 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)

180609-N-XT273-1173 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-XT273-618 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)

Various NATO warships move 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.

180603-N-XT273-030 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 3, 2018) A Military Sealift Command civil service mariner unhooks rigging from the brow 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)

180612-N-XT273-186 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)

180611-N-XT273-875 KARLSKRONA, Sweden (June 11, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, speaks 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)

180606-N-XT273-082 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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DANISH STRAITS (June 21, 2018) Lt. Tyler Hall, from Pittsburg, stands watch on the bridge of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) as the ship transits the Danish Straits 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-XT273-1692 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, 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)

180611-N-XT273-1242 COPENHAGEN, Denmark (June 11, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, meets 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Sailors fight a simulated fire during a 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)

180607-N-XT273-127 BALTIC SEA (June 7, 2018) Sailors assigned to the Helicopter Support Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 conduct a simulated joint personnel recover 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)

180605-N-XT273-300 BALTIC SEA (June 5, 2018) Military Sealift Command civil service mariner Earl Davis mans the phone and distance line aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) as it approaches the German Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) fora replenishment-at-sea in the Baltic Sea, June 5, 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) Staff Sgt. Dengrier Baez photographs U.S. Marines 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)

180604-N-XT273-350 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 right, greets 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

180603-N-XT273-007 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 3, 2018) Military Sealift Command civil service mariners secure the brow 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)

180609-N-PF515-038 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark (June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visit expeditionary mine countermeasures and clearance diver units in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annu-al maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexi-bility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist America A. Henry/Released)

180615-N-XT273-1703 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, speaks with Richard Grenell, U.S. Ambassador to Germany, 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)

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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) 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)

180609-N-PF515-173 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark (June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visit the exercise task unit aboard the Spearhead-class expedition-ary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF 7) in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, during exercise Baltic Opera-tions (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 Chief Mass Communication Specialist America A. Henry/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.

180617-N-XT273-232 KIEL, Germany (June 17, 2018) Musicians assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band pose for a photo, in Kiel, Germany, during Kiel Week 2018, June 17. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, to enable enduring relationships and increase vigilance and resilience in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180606-N-XT273-479 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 gift 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)

180603-N-XT273-129 KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 3, 2018) Operations Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Castillo, left, Operations Specialist Chief Hugo Suarez, center, and Operations Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey Prall, 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2018) Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Jonathan Giguere, right, signals to Sailors as they remove chocks and chains from a CV-22 Osprey, attached to the 352d Special Operations Wing, on the flight deck of 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)

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KIEL, Germany (June 16, 2018) Members of the media take 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)

180615-N-XT273-187 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Caleb Hunsaker mans the rails aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) 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)

180605-N-XT273-235 BALTIC SEA (June 5, 2018) German sailors aboard the German Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) wave during a replenishment-at-sea with the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in the Baltic Sea, June 5, 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)

180601-N-NO901-015 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)

180615-N-XT273-1539 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, 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)

180609-N-XT273-907 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 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)

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BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2018) Sailors raise chains to demonstrate removal from a CV-22 Osprey, attached to the 352d Special Operations Wing, for deck landing qualifications 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)

180611-N-XT273-933 KARLSKRONA, Sweden (June 11, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, speaks 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)

German Navy sailors look 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.

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KIEL, Germany (June 16, 2018) Members of the media take 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)

180612-N-XT273-035 BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, meets 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)

180605-N-XT273-185 BALTIC SEA (June 5, 2018) The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) conducts a replenishment-at-sea with the German Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) in the Baltic Sea, June 5, 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-PF515-148 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark (June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visit expeditionary mine countermeasures and clearance diver units in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annu-al maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexi-bility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist America A. Henry/Released)

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BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Foreign military officials and dignitaries pose for a photograph in the vehicle turning area of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) 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)

180604-N-XT273-741 180604-N-XT273-741 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 right, and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite watch the flyby of a CV-22 Osprey 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 12, 2018) Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 1st Class Steven Bass, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, does maintenance 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)