NATO ‘Baltops’ exercise gets underway
PR dla Zagranicy
John Beauchamp
06.06.2015 12:29
Over 5,000 troops and as many as 49 ships, 61 aircraft, one submarine and a combined amphibious landing force are taking part in the annual NATO-led ‘Baltops’ naval exercise.
American cruiser USS Vicksburg (L) and destroyer USS Jason Dunham (R) docked in the Baltic port of Gdynia ahead of the NATO-led 'Baltops' exercise. Photo: PAP/Adam Warżawa
The Polish Navy is reported to be fielding the most vessels in the initial port phase of the exercise in Gdynia, before the exercises move out to the Baltic and ultimately finish in the German port of Kiel on 20 June.
The exercise involves some 5,600 troops from NATO and the alliance’s partners. An official NATO statement reports that “the exercise will feature anti-submarine warfare, air defence, intercepting suspect vessels and amphibious landings.”
“This exercise represents an important opportunity for our forces, as allies and partners, to enhance our ability to work together and strengthen capabilities required to maintain regional security,” said Vice Admiral James Foggo III, the Commander of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO in an official statement.
“This exercise will be conducted in a truly joint environment, and I look forward to working with and learning from so many different nations and services,” he added.
Apart from Poland, other participating countries will consist of the Netherlands, Denmark, Estonia, France, Latvia, Lithuania, the UK, the US, Turkey, Belgium, Norway, Canada, Germany, as well as NATO partners Finland, Sweden and Georgia.
The annual exercise is not held in response to any specific threat, NATO claims. The exercise has been held since 1971, and is now in its 43rd year. Poland first participated in the exercise in 1993.
NATO also informs that this year’s exercise “is one of several major multinational exercises [in June] which also includes exercise Noble Jump – the first deployment test for NATO’s new quick reaction force – which will take place in Poland from 9-19 June.” (jb)
Source: IAR/PAP/NATO