U.S. Air Force participates in 47th Annual BALTOPS

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  • U.S. Air Forces in Europe-Air Forces Africa
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  U.S. Air Force participation in the 47th Annual Exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019 begins this week. BALTOPS 2019, scheduled to include air, maritime, and ground assets from 18 nations, is an annual, joint and multinational maritime-focused exercise that provides a unique training opportunity designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's interconnected oceans. It is designed to improve training value for participants, enhance flexibility and interoperability, and demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces in defending the Baltic Sea region.

This year, participating U.S. Air Force assets include KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft from the 100th Air Refueling Wing, RAF Mildenhall, England and F-15 Eagle aircraft from the 48th Fighter Wing, RAF Lakenheath, England.

U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Andrew Lewis, U.S. 2nd Fleet commander, is leading the exercise on behalf of Naval Forces Europe. During his address to more than 200 planners at the BALTOPS Final Planning Conference in Vilnius, Lithuania, April 2, 2019, Lewis said, “U.S. 2nd Fleet will be leading the exercise, but make no mistake, it will be founded on NATO and partner principles. Through BALTOPS 2019 and exercises like it, we strengthen our relationships and improve overall coordination and interoperability between allies and partners during both peace and times of conflict.”

For more information, call +49 (0) 6371-47-6558 or e-mail usafepao.pao@us.af.mil. If after duty hours, please call +49 (0) 1624-25-5428 or e-mail usafepa.pastaffdutyofficer@us.af.mil.