Graphic by H I Sutton used with permission
This post has been updated to correct the location of the Russian Baltic Sea Fleet.
Two Russian warships are operating near the international BALTOPs naval exercise in the Baltic Sea, according to photos from ship spotters. Read More
Vice Adm. Christopher W. Grady is rendered honors for the first time as Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet / Commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO on Oct. 28, 2016 US Navy Photo
Vice Adm. Christopher Grady has taken charge of U.S. 6th Fleet from Vice Adm. James Foggo in a Friday change of command in Naples, Italy, the service announced. Read More
Russian troops participating in the Kavkaz-2016 exercise
Russia is simultaneously conducting operations along the eastern Ukraine border, participating in large bilateral naval exercises with China in the South China Sea and conducting large-scale amphibious exercises in the Black Sea around the Crimean peninsula. The Russian Navy has subs operating in the Baltic Sea off Latvia, continues to professionalize its force, and is attempting to sustain a large upgrade in force capabilities matched with no-notice military inspections in most military districts. At the same time, it continues operations in Syria and the eastern Mediterranean, demonstrating resolve and constancy there. Read More
Vice Adm. James Foggo III, right, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, hands Capt. Jeffrey Wolstenholme the Commander, Task Force 64 (CTF 64) guidon during the command’s establishment ceremony at U.S. Naval Support Activity Naples March 24, 2016. US Navy photo.
The Navy announced Vice Adm. James Foggo will serve as the next director of Navy staff at the Pentagon and Rear Adm. William Lescher will serve as the next deputy chief of naval operations for integration of capabilities and resources (OPNAV N8). Read More
Amphibious assault ships participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2015 transit in formation off the coast of Sweden on June 12, 2015. US Navy Photo
NATO may be best known for its protracted counterinsurgency campaign in Afghanistan, or for its current efforts to shore up defenses in Eastern Europe with air and ground exercises. But moving forward NATO must also consider its role in the global maritime domain, as it is central to the twin security challenges of an increasingly aggressive Russia and a crumbling Middle East order that the Alliance faces right now. Read More
Maritime forces from 17 nations are underway in formation for BALTOPS 2015. BALTOPS is an annually recurring multinational exercise designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability, as well as demonstrate resolve of allied and partner forces to defend the Baltic region on June 8, 2015. US Navy Photo
The naval exercise BALTOPS 2015 is bringing the U.S. Navy and its European friends and allies to a Nordic-Baltic region that is newly tense in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. The exercise also indicates that the Baltic Sea is playing a new role as a maritime space, and that anti-access/area-denial challenge is more than just a Pacific problem. Read More
The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) maneuvers into port in Gdynia, Poland, outboard of the guided-missile cruiser USS Vicksburg (CG 69) while the Turkish navy ship TCG Göksu (F 497) passes on the starboard side on June 4, 2015. US Navy photo.
As 17 countries and NATO pulled out of the Gdynia, Poland, port together Monday to begin the 43rd annual Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise, Russia sent its aircraft and warships to monitor the multi-phase exercise. Read More
Ships from various nations in the Baltic Region and the U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney begin the underway phase of Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2014. US Navy photo.
The 43rd annual Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise begins today, with four additional countries participating and significantly more troops involved compared to last year’s event. Read More
