KLAIPEDA, Lithuania (June 6, 2024) U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Thomas Ishee, right, commander of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKEFORNATO) and U.S. 6th Fleet, speaks with Lithuanian Minister of Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas during the Baltic Operations 2024 (BALTOPS 24) pre-sail conference kick-off event in Klaipeda, Lithuania, June 6, 2024. Twenty NATO allies, more than 50 ships, more than 85 aircraft, and approximately 9,000 personnel kicked off the 53rd iteration of annual exercise Baltic Operations 2024 (BALTOPS 24) today during the pre-sail conference kick-off event. BALTOPS24 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 Petty Officer 1st Class Cameron Edy)