Klaipeda, Lithuania – On 4 June the Deputy Commander JFC Brunssum, Lieutenant General Juan Campins, took part in the Distinguished Visitors’ Day for Exercise BALTOPS 2018 together with representatives from NATO and participating Nations.

 

The 46th iteration of exercise BALTOPS started in the Baltic Sea on June 1st  and is scheduled to last until 15 June. Air, maritime, and amphibious assets from NATO Allies and Partners are involved in the live training event that is planned as part of this serial. Participating naval units will/have already set sail from Klaipeda, Lithuania. On completion of the exercise naval units will pay a port visit to Kiel, Germany.



 

The exercise features live-fire training, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, air defence, and joint personnel recovery from the sea. A total of 43 maritime units, 60 aircraft, and a combined amphibious landing force will participate in the drills. Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) are in control of the exercise.

 

Guests attending the visitors’ day were hosted onboard USS Mount Whitney – STRIKFORNATO’s and US 6th fleet’s flagship - where they were briefed on the exercise and from where they could witness a naval demonstration.