TALLINN, Estonia (June 4, 2023) The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), left, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) and the Danish navy Iver Huitfeldt-class frigate HDMS Peter Willemoes (F 362) depart Tallinn, Estonia, June 4, 2023, to participate in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS ) 23. BALTOPS 23 is the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region. The exercise, led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, and executed by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, provides a unique training opportunity to strengthen combined response capabilities critical to preserving freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (Photo courtesy of the Estonian Defence Forces by Sgt. Martti Kallas)