The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) completed a replenishment-at-sea with the German Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt am Main (A 1412), June 6, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and takes place from June 1-15. The exercise enhances flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations to strengthen combined response capabilities, as well as demonstrate international resolve to ensure stability in the Baltic Sea region. "This morning's replenishment-at-sea with Frankfurt am Main was a tremendous opportunity for our team to integrate with fellow NATO forces," said Cmdr. Patrick Murphy, commanding officer of the Bainbridge. "The weather was perfect, the seamanship was flawless, and we gained invaluable experience in employing alternate methods of rigging, line handling, communications and measurements that are not normally used in the U.S. auxiliary force. Working so closely with our allied and partner nations has dramatically increased our overall proficiency and interoperability at sea and we look forward to going alongside the mighty Frankfurt again soon." With approximately 5,000 personnel from 22 nations, this is one of the largest exercises in the region. "We thought the replenishment would be difficult due to the differences in methods used, but all in all everything went great due to the outstanding seamanship and professionalism from both ships," said Chief Boatswain's Mate Denise Domingo. "I think that this morning's evolution was a great experience not only for me but my junior sailors as well." Some of the training focus areas for BALTOPS include air defense, anti-subsurface warfare, maritime interdiction, amphibious operations and mine countermeasures. The countries participating in BALTOPS include: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Turkey, the U.K., the U.S., Finland and Sweden.