BALTOPS manoeuvre successfully completed

BALTOPS 2022, 
from left Admiral Michael Gilday, Vice Admiral Frank Lensky, Vice Admiral Eugene Black

As announced, a final press conference was held today at the end of the annual Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) manoeuvre. Representatives of the inviting US NAVY were the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), Admiral Michael Gilday, and Vice Admiral Eugene Black, Commander of the US 6th Fleet.

Together with their host, Vice Admiral Frank Lensky, Commander of the Fleet, they were available to answer questions and make statements to members of the press. Admiral Gilday was pleased about the renewed hospitality in Kiel and emphasised that the Alliance had successfully carried out exercises with the motto "one for all, all for one". Like Vice Admiral Black, he welcomed the fact that the participation of Sweden and Finland made the Alliance a good step stronger. Admiral Black pointed out that Russia's behaviour in the Baltic Sea had been inconspicuous. Vice Admiral Lensky emphasised that the manoeuvre had been planned long before the outbreak of war in Ukraine and had therefore not been changed, although everyone had been aware of the crisis. The Germans were able to successfully demonstrate their operational and alliance capabilities, for example with the successful deployment of a helicopter drone from a corvette to establish situational awareness.

Unfortunately, the longed-for USS Kearsarge did not call at the Kiel base; the CNO emphasised that further orders had been given and the carrier would remain in the region. No further details were revealed, but the German logistical preparations were criticised in the background.

From 5 June to 17 June 2022, 45 ships and boats, 75 aircraft and around 7,000 soldiers from a total of 14 NATO nations as well as Finland and Sweden operated in the Baltic Sea region. The manoeuvre will end tonight with a reception on Mount Whitney.