The pre-sail portion of exercise BALTOPS 2017 concluded June 3, commencing the at-sea phase of the exercise.

During the pre-sail phase, commanding officers and representatives from participating NATO ally and partner nations from all air, maritime and ground assets came together to discuss exercise-specific information.

Along with synchronization meetings, Vice Adm. Christopher Grady, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, Royal Navy Rear Adm. Paddy McAlpine, deputy commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, and Belgian Air Force Maj. Gen. Thierry Dupont, commander, Combined Air Operations Center Uedem, held office calls with Szczecin officials that included Piotr Krzystek, the city's mayor, and Marek Subocz, the vice governor of West Pomerania Province.

Polish media also had the opportunity to tour the Danish Absalon-class combat support ship HDMS Absalon (L16), one of the two command and control ships for the exercise, before conducting a press conference with Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO leadership.

A presentation of flags ceremony, representing the participating countries, was held at Solidarity Square in Szczecin where Krzystek and Grady gave remarks to all commanding officers, officials and civilians in attendance.

"BALTOPS 17 got off to an excellent start with a very well hosted pre-sail conference in Szczecin. Command teams added finishing touches to an already thorough plan with sailors, marines and airmen from 14 different nations, getting to know each other from the start of an intensive period of training."

Royal Navy Rear Adm. Paddy McAlpine, deputy commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO.

Quick Facts:

BALTOPS is an annual recurring multinational, maritime-focused exercise designed to provide high end training for the participants.

BALTOPS is a visible demonstration of NATO's commitment to promote peace and security in the region by exercising forces that can rapidly respond in a time of crisis.

BALTOPS provides an opportunity to exercise the increased joint capabilities of NATO and partner forces. The exercise will enable them to enhance their combat readiness so that, collectively, NATO can immediately respond to a range of real-world situations.

BALTOPS 17 will involve 4,000 shipboard personnel, 50 ships and submarines and more than 50 aircraft, and is designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, to strengthen combined response capabilities, as well as demonstrate resolve among forces from allied and partner nations to ensure stability in and, if necessary, defend the Baltic Sea region.

BALTOPS began in 1972 and continues to be an excellent opportunity for NATO and regional partners to strengthen interoperability through a series of combined tactical maneuvers and scenarios.

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.