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Maritime Security Universal Language for BALTOPS Participants

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090608-23
Release Date: 6/8/2009 11:54:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Gary Keen, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

KARLSKRONA, Sweden (NNS) -- Forty commanding officers from navies of 12 different countries gathered aboard USS Mount Whitney (JCC/LCC 20) during a reception June 6 to strengthen partnerships and build mutual understanding before Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) Exercise 2009 began.

Arriving almost a week before the exercise kicks off, a veritable armada has assembled near the quaint Swedish town of coffee shops and cobblestone streets.

Since their arrival, more than 4,000 Sailors have participated in numerous receptions, harbor parties and sporting events designed to develop interpersonal relationships between BALTOPS participants.

"This is my first BALTOPs, and it's already been a great opportunity to learn from and build camaraderie with my fellow commanding officers," said Capt. Karl O. Thomas, commanding officer of Mount Whitney.

"The spirit of cooperation that has been exhibited is tremendous. We all have diverse capabilities and backgrounds, but we speak the common language of the sea and have the mutual goal of securing our maritime domain."

Each country brings to BALTOPS different and complimentary experiences and expertise. France, represented by Cmdr. Brumo Sola, commanding officer of the Pegase (M 644), a frigate-class mine hunter, has vast knowledge of de-mining operations.

"The French Navy is very experienced in mine warfare," said Sola. "In World War II much of the waters around France were mined, and we had to clear them. We want to share our experience in mine warfare with partner nations during this exercise."

Sola also said that working together in exercises like these helps bring nations together, and he referenced President Barack Obama's speech commemorating the 65th anniversary of D-Day.

"It's alliances that make us strong, and this exercise will help build those alliances," said Sola.

Throughout the evening Sailors from different countries laughed together, spoke of their families and homelands while exchanging operational experiences.

Rear Adm. John N. Christenson, commander, Carrier Strike Group 12 and officer in tactical command of BALTOPS thanked everyone for attending and for working together to spread peace throughout the world.

BALTOPS is an annual exercise that aims to improve maritime security in the Baltic Sea through increased interoperability and cooperation among regional allies.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.