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Successful BALTOPS -- Multinational Naval Operation Completed

June 19, 2000

June 19, 2000 --- Kiel, Germany - Ships from 10 European nations and the United States Navy pulled into port here today for a two day visit that marked the end of the Baltic Operations 2000 operational phase.

The exercise sponsor, Adm. James 0. Ellis, Jr., Commander In Chief, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe, extolled the participants for their success.  "Well done to every BALTOPS 2000 participant.  Congratulations on your truly superb performance which made this the most successful and operationally robust BALTOPS exercise ever conducted.  Each of you performed magnificently throughout two weeks of intense at-sea operations which fully integrated coalition partners and NATO allies into a demanding multinational peacekeeping scenario," said Admiral Ellis.

The exercise, which included 46 ships, 4 submarines, and more than 4,000 sailors from 11 nations was conducted in the Baltic Sea, under the command of Rear Adm. Michael D. Malone, Commander Carrier Group Eight, from his flagship, USS Ross, home ported in Norfolk, VA.

Admiral Ellis commended the Swedish armed forces headquarters, the staff of commander, carrier group eight, and the planners from the other nine nations who built the exercise over the past year and then transformed the plans into reality.

"I sincerely believe that, as a direct result of participating in BALTOPS, all of our navies are more prepared to face the numerous, uncertain challenges of our collective future.  Every sailor involved in this exercise should take pride in your meaningful contribution to your navies and your nations," Ellis concluded.