BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2023) Ships participating in exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023 transit the Baltic Sea, June 4, 2023. BALTOPS23 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 the combined response capability critical to preserving the freedom of navigation and security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Coover)