BALTIC SEA (June 14, 2023) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) takes fuel from the German tanker Spessart (A1442) during an underway replenishment in the Baltic Sea during exercise Baltic Operations 2023 (BALTOPS 23), June 14, 2023. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Zac Shea)