BALTOPS 2014 Begins
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS140606-15
Release Date: 6/6/2014 10:34:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Luis R. Chavez, Jr., Baltic Operations Public Affairs
KARLSKRONA, Sweden (NNS) -- Maritime forces from 12 countries and NATO are participating in the 42nd annual multinational naval exercise in the Baltic Sea, June 6-21.
The Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise is the largest, multinational exercise taking place in the Baltic region this year and aims to improve maritime safety and security through increased interoperability and cooperation among participating nations.
'BALTOPS is an evolving exercise. Over the years, I have seen it grow in size and complexity to provide realistic training in a dynamic environment. Our continued presence, as an international force, is a clear demonstration of our commitment to regional stability and to each other,' said Rear Adm. Richard Snyder, BALTOPS 2014 commander. 'Here, we send a signal to our nations and to the world that we can come together and operate as a team.'
BALTOPS 2014 officially kicked off during the pre-sail conference in Karlskrona, Sweden, where military officials from participating nations gathered to discuss exercise strategy and objectives.
'We are building security in our neighborhood together,' said Swedish Brig. Gen. Ola Truedsson, BALTOPS deputy commander.
The exercise will include U.S. Sailors working side-by-side with personnel from participating nations to become more familiar with other nations' military operating procedures and practices, mine clearance operations, anti-submarine warfare and surface-to-air defense, counterpiracy, small boat operations and other maritime safety and security tasks.
Nations participating in BALTOPS 2014 include Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, United Kingdom and U.S.
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