NORFOLK, Va. - A major maritime exercise will continue this year, but it will be carried out exclusively at sea thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Baltic Operations, better known as BALTOPS, is set to kick off in the Baltic Sea June 7. It will involve air and maritime assets from 19 nations.
In previous years, the exercise has also included ground forces. Last year, Norfolk-based 2nd Fleet led the exercise shortly after declaring Initial Operating Capability.
The Navy says by only holding the exercise at sea this year, it will allow "units to enhance multinational operational cooperation, while ensuring that crews remain healthy, and ready to provide continuous regional security."
The exercise is scheduled to run through June 16.
