Defence Online

HMS Ocean completes Baltops 2016

Maritime June 12, 2016

Britain’s flagship HMS Ocean has completed her part in the largest war games staged by NATO in the Baltic.

Over the past two weeks, the helicopter carrier has not only spearheaded the UK’s involvement in Exercise Baltops, but has also served as NATO’s flagship. Baltops involved 4,000 plus personnel from 17 nations, more than 40 ships and submarines, 60 plus aircraft flying 90 sorties a day, and an 800 strong international force of marines.

After launching in the Gulf of Finland, the exercise moved up a gear around the Swedish island of Uto, then reached full tilt off the Pomeranian coast of Poland, concluding with an assault on the ranges at Ustka, about 70 miles west of Gdansk.

In each stage – lasting three or four days – more than 100 different manoeuvres or actions were planned, including formation flying and sailing captured on camera for the media, Ocean’s Apaches spewing fire and fury from their cannon on Swedish ranges, fast attack craft causing havoc weaving between slow-moving minehunters which had simultaneously to fend off low-flying jets and convoys cautiously moving through minefields.

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Post written by: Vicky Maggiani

Vicky has worked in media for over 20 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.