Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) and Standing NATO Maritime Countermeasures Group 1 ships have begun their participation in the multinational integrated exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS 15).
BALTOPS 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.
Under the command of Rear Admiral Brad Williamson (USA Navy), SNMG2 is currently comprised of the flagship USS VICKSBURG (USA), HMCS FREDERICTON (CAN), and TCG GOKSU (TUR).
SNMCMG1, led by Commander Peter Bergen Henegouwen (NLD Navy), is composed of the flagship FGS DONAU (DEU), FGS AUERBACH (DEU), HMS QUORN (GBR), ORP MEWA (POL), HNLMS WILLEMSTAD (NLD), HNOMS RAUMA (NOR), FS ERIDAN (FRA) and LNS SKALVIS (LIT).
Participating nations this year include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Nations have provided more than 5,600 ground, maritime, and air forces to include 49 ships, 61 aircraft, one submarine, and a combined landing force of 700 Swedish, Finnish, and U.S. troops.
Image: MARCOM