Baltic Operations 2011 Participants Meet on Soccer Field

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Collin Turner, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

KIEL, Germany (NNS) -- Spectators gathered at the Kiel naval base soccer fields in Germany to watch Sailors stationed aboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) take part in a sports-day hosted by the German navy June 4.

Sports day is an event that is designed for recreation and friendly competition, helping to build long lasting partnerships between the different nations involved.

Participating teams fielded their soccer players for a thirty-minute, round robin, single elimination tournament.

"Well it's always great to get a workout in and play some soccer," said Lt. Cmdr. Tiffany Hill, Mount Whitney's operations officer. "Most importantly, it's a great time to play soccer against some of our partner nations."

Taking part in the day's festivities were teams from France, Germany, Holland, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, United Kingdom and the United States.

"These events are important, because they allow us to strengthen ties with other nations, and there is no better place to do that than here in a sport setting," said Yeoman 3rd Class Conner Slomka, an administrative clerk assigned to Mount Whitney.

Sports day was held days before maritime forces representing 13 countries begin the Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2011, a multinational naval exercise focusing on peace and security in the region.

BALTOPS has been held since 1971, in the Baltic Sea and regions surrounding it and is sponsored by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-U.S. Naval Forces Africa, Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.

During the exercise, Sailors will work closely with other personnel from partner nations, both on land and at sea, and will become familiar with countries' military practices and procedures.

Some of the events scheduled for the upcoming exercise range from traditional activities to new emerging missions. The traditional activities include mine clearance operations, anti-submarine warfare and surface-to-air defense, while the newer emerging missions include counterpiracy and small-boat attack.

BALTOPS will conclude later in the month with the partnering nations once again engaging in social events during Kiel Week, Europe's largest sailing event.