Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus concluded a two-day visit to Poland June 16 with a stop aboard USS San Antonio (LPD 17) as the ship continues its participation in Exercise BALTOPS 2015.

BALTOPS 2015 is a joint, multinational, maritime-focused exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region.

The shared commitment to regional security demonstrated by the 17 nations participating in this, the 43rd iteration of BALTOPS, was a theme Mabus emphasized during meetings with Polish military officials in the exercise's host nation's capital of Warsaw.

"Strong military cooperation is a critical element of our dynamic partnership," said Mabus. "We look forward to continuing to strengthen this relationship in the future."

During meetings with, among other officials, Poland's Minister of Defense Tomasz Siemoniak, Mabus applauded Poland's demonstrated commitment to regional security while reinforcing the importance of U.S. Navy and Marine Corps partnerships with the Polish military.

"Our Navy and Marine Corps remain steadfastly committed to our partnership with Poland and the rest of our NATO allies," said Mabus. "BALTOPS is just one example of our continued combined efforts to promote security in this important region."

The leaders also discussed the importance of a strong naval presence and Poland's efforts to modernize its navy.

While aboard San Antonio, Mabus once again underscored the critical need for presence and strong international partnerships in the dynamic security environment of the Baltics and Eastern Europe.

He also took the time to address some U.S. Navy and Marine Corps specific concerns from Sailors and Marines during an all-hands call.

Mabus' stop in Poland is part of a multi-nation visit to the U.S. European Command area of responsibility to meet with military and civilian leaders and Sailors and Marines.

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