Navy

Three Royal Navy Ships On Way To Year's Largest Maritime Exercise

Three Royal Navy ships are on their way to Poland to participate in the largest maritime exercise of the year – BALTOPS (Baltic Operations) 15.

HMS Iron Duke, HMS Quorn and Fleet flagship HMS Ocean are all participating in this year’s exercise, as a demonstration of ongoing commitment to NATO operations.

The annual military exercise is hosted by the Commander, United States Naval Forces Europe/US 6th Fleet and aims to improve maritime security in the Baltic Sea through partnership working and the sharing of resources.

17 NATO and partner nations are taking part in the 43rd iteration of the exercise this month in the waters off Poland, Sweden and Germany.

Approximately 5,600 ground, maritime and air forces from participating nations will work together conducting air defence, maritime interdiction, anti-subsurface warfare, and amphibious operations, while a total of 49 ships and 61 aircraft will participate.

Captain Tim Henry, Commanding Officer of HMS Ocean, said:

“Exercises of this nature help in the development of partnerships and should be seen as a demonstration of our operational flexibility as well as our resolve to ensure regional security.”

The three warships' involvement in BALTOPS 15 means that assets from all three services will have been exercising in the Baltic region this year under the NATO umbrella ALLIED SHIELD – a series of four exercises.

Engineering Technician (Marine Engineer) Sam Davies, 23, added: “Last month I ran out at Twickenham as part of the Royal Navy Rugby Team.

"This is totally different but just as exciting – my first overseas exercise and such an important one. I’m confident that my training is equal to the task though.”

HMS Ocean, the Royal Navy's new Fleet flagship