Thirty maritime units from 12 nations (Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States) maneuvered in close formation for a photo exercise. Vice. Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visited the crew of the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF-7). The admirals also spent time with expeditionary mine counter measures and clearance diver units from Denmark, Belgium, Norway and the United States who are training on Bornholm Island, Denmark. Eight ships from six nations conducted a replenishment at sea with the Type 702 Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412). The combat enhancement training (CET) and force integration training (FIT) phase of BALTOPS 2018 concluded. The operation now transitions into the tactical training phase, which is the free play portion of the exercise. The Ensdorf-class minesweeper FGS Pegnitz (M1090) conducted an underwater demolition using a 500 kilogram charge off the coast of Ustka, Poland. BALTOPS is an annual joint, multinational maritime-focused exercise scheduled for June 1-15, 2018. It is designed to improve training value for participants enhance flexibility and interoperability, and demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces in defending the Baltic Sea region. The exercise will involve maritime, ground, and air forces so as to strengthen combined response capabilities necessary to ensure regional stability. Participating nations in BALTOPS include Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. A total of 43 maritime units, more than 60 aircraft and a combined amphibious landing force are scheduled to participate in BALTOPS 2018.