Multinational Minesweepers Train Together in Baltic Operations 2011

From Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

USS MOUNT WHITNEY, At Sea (NNS) -- Twelve minesweeping vessels representing five different Baltic nations and accompanied by the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), completed a series of close maneuvers, June 12, during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2011.

The exercise began with the formation of a battle line, followed by an arrow, and concluding with an expanding star burst formation. The USS Mount Whitney served as a flagship and point of reference.

"The seamanship of these vessels and their crews is amazing," said Lt. Cmdr Tiffany Hill, USS Mount Whitney operations officer. "The ships performed flawlessly. To do this in a multi-national environment is an impressive accomplishment.

Ships participating in the exercise included the Latvian ships LNS Jotvingis and LNS Suduvis; Polish vessels ORP Gardno, ORP Druzno, and ORP Naklo; Estonian vessel ENS Ugandi; Germany's FGS Bad Rappenau; the Danish vessel HDNS Havkatten; and Lithuania's LVNS Visvaldis. Two manned drones from the Havkatten also participated.

Now in its 39th year, BALTOPS is a multinational naval exercise focusing on peace and security in the region. Baltic maritime operations continue through June 17.