United States European Command

NEWSCapacity Building

By By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Gary Keen, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-ComAug 26, 2011

KARLSKRONA, Sweden — Swedish Navy boarding team member Sgt. Joonas Moinaneu scans area for threats before advancing team members during mass disaster exercise on a naval base in Karlskrona, Sweden during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise 2009. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Gary Keen)

3 photos: KARLSKRONA, Sweden — Swedish Navy boarding team member Sgt. Joonas Moinaneu scans area for threats before advancing team members during mass disaster exercise on a naval base in Karlskrona, Swed

Photo 1 of 3: KARLSKRONA, Sweden — Swedish Navy boarding team member Sgt. Joonas Moinaneu scans area for threats before advancing team members during mass disaster exercise on a naval base in Karlskrona, Sweden during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise 2009. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Gary Keen) Download full-resolution version

KARLSKRONA, Sweden — Swedish Navy boarding team members Cpl. Petri Linna (left) and Sgt. Joonas Moinaneu use suppressive fire while their team members come up from the rear during a disaster exercise on a naval base in Karlskrona, Sweden during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise 2009. This is the 37th iteration of BALTOPS and is intended to improve interoperability with partner countries by conducting realistic training at sea with the 12 participating nations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Gary Keen)

3 photos: KARLSKRONA, Sweden — Swedish Navy boarding team members Cpl. Petri Linna (left) and Sgt. Joonas Moinaneu use suppressive fire while their team members come up from the rear during a disaster exe

Photo 2 of 3: KARLSKRONA, Sweden — Swedish Navy boarding team members Cpl. Petri Linna (left) and Sgt. Joonas Moinaneu use suppressive fire while their team members come up from the rear during a disaster exercise on a naval base in Karlskrona, Sweden during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise 2009. This is the 37th iteration of BALTOPS and is intended to improve interoperability with partner countries by conducting realistic training at sea with the 12 participating nations. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Gary Keen) Download full-resolution version

BALTIC SEA — Mine Countermeasure ships split off from maneuvering in formation during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise 2009. Annually hosted by the United States Navy, the exercise aims to improve maritime security in the Baltic Sea through increased interoperability and cooperation among regional allies. (Department of Defense Photo by U.S. Navy)

3 photos: BALTIC SEA — Mine Countermeasure ships split off from maneuvering in formation during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise 2009. Annually hosted by the United States Navy, the exercise aims to

Photo 3 of 3: BALTIC SEA — Mine Countermeasure ships split off from maneuvering in formation during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise 2009. Annually hosted by the United States Navy, the exercise aims to improve maritime security in the Baltic Sea through increased interoperability and cooperation among regional allies. (Department of Defense Photo by U.S. Navy) Download full-resolution version

USS Mount Whitney, Baltic Sea — The 37th annual Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise 2009 concluded June 19 after 14 days of multinational operations in the Baltic Sea.

The exercise encompassed 43 ships from 12 countries with more than 200 training events, all focused on strengthening maritime security and partnerships in the Baltic Sea.

"Anytime you get nations from one area to work together with nations from another in the spirit of cooperation, you build relationships that are available to help you in any real world situation," said Rear Adm. John N. Christenson, commander Carrier Strike Group 12, tactical commander of BALTOPS 2009.

This BALTOPS did not start typically. It started off for the first time in Karlskrona, Sweden with four days of sporting events, social gatherings and receptions, all designed to develop interpersonal relationships with the participating Sailors.

The evidence of the tactical benefits of these relationships was put to the test on the first day underway when 12 ships communicated with each other on various frequencies to complete a tight echelon formation for a group ship photo. This type of communication-reliant advanced maneuver has never been attempted on the first day of previous BALTOPS.

This close working partnership continued throughout the exercise, Christenson said, and was a key factor in the execution of numerous training operations ranging from compliant and non-compliant boarding, submarine recognition, medical evacuations, mass casualty drills and mine countermeasure operations.

Christenson added that BALTOPS led to many real life successes outside of the exercise realm when Swedish Mine Hunter HSwMS Faaroesund (MUL-20) made a discovery that led to the detonation of three mines and one British torpedo, all from World War II, making the sea floor safer for Sailors and civilians. "This was an excellent opportunity for training together," said Swedish Navy Lt. Cmdr. Jorgen Bergman, an advisor responsible for planning aboard amphibious command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20). "This is the first time Sweden has taken such an intensive role in an exercise like this."

BALTOPS came to a close with a large unscripted tactical exercise where 30 ships were put into a two-team simulated battle-at-sea using all the training they received. The simulation lasted three days and ended with a post operation brief.

The majority of the fleet will pull into Kiel, Germany and hold a reception celebrating the successful completion of the exercise.

BALTOPS is annually hosted by the U.S. Navy and aims to enhance maritime safety and security in the Baltic Sea through increased interoperability and cooperation among regional allies.