Twilight Departure The guided missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius departs Kiel, Germany, following Exercise Baltic Operations 2023, June 19, 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. SHARE: Download: Full Size (1.53 MB) Tags: NATO, Navy, Ukraine Response, Exercise Baltic Operations 2023 Credit: Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Zac Shea VIRIN: 230619-N-XO016-1486.JPG Photo Gallery