BALTIC SEA (June 19, 2024) Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Nicholas Alvarez, assigned to the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21), signals a CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter on New York’s flight deck during the exercise Baltic Operations 24 (BALTOPS 24), June 19, 2024. New York is underway in the Baltic Sea in support of BALTOPS 24 as part of the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group (WSP ARG)-24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Special Operations Capable (SOC). BALTOPS 24 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 2nd Class Jesse Turner)