BALTOPS (Baltic Operations) is an annual joint, multinational maritime focused exercise scheduled for June 09-21, 2019. It is designed to improve training for participants, enhance flexibility and demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces in defending the Baltic Sea region. The exercise will involve maritime, ground, and air forces to strengthen combined response capabilities necessary to ensure regional stability. The exercise is held and sponsored by the Commander, United States Naval Forces Europe since 1972, in the Baltic Sea and the regions surrounding it.
BALTOPS 2019 is being planned and executed by U.S. 2nd Fleet, as ordered by U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR). NAVEUR is the lead component for USEUCOM.
With 18 nations sending 50 ships, two submarines, three dozen aircraft and about 8,600 personnel, the size of the 47th annual BALTOPS alone is impressive. But digging into those numbers is more revealing: the number of personnel in the exercise is more than double than the 4,000 of the 2017 event. The United Kingdom sent 14 ships and Spain sent her flagship and two air defense frigates. And the exercise included fixed-wing strike aircraft – seven Spanish AV-8B Harrier IIs off amphibious assault ship ESPS JUAN CARLOS I L 61 for the first time in years.
Below images are of the frigate ESPS ALMIRANTE JUAN DE BORBON F 102 –
Below images are of the frigate ESPS CRISTOBAL COLON F 105 –
Photos by Capt. Lawrence Dalli and Ronald Ribbe . Do not use these images without my permission. © All rights reserved. Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos – www.maltashipphotos.com
