JUNE 9, 2025 – A Polish Special Operations Squadron successfully completed a deck landing qualification (DLQ) aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) on June 8, during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 25.
The DLQ involved an MI-17 conducting multiple landings and takeoffs from the flight deck of Mount Whitney while underway in the Baltic Sea. The qualification is a critical step in ensuring that Polish aircrews are proficient in operating from U.S. Navy vessels, enhancing the ability of both nations to conduct joint maritime operations.
“This Polish deck landing qualification aboard Mount Whitney is a testament to the outstanding teamwork and professionalism of both the Polish aircrew and our own Team 20,” said Capt. Colin Price, commanding officer of USS Mount Whitney. “It’s through exercises like this that we build trust, enhance our interoperability, and strengthen our ability to operate seamlessly together to ensure security in the Baltic Sea region.”
The successful DLQ demonstrates the commitment of the United States and Poland to strengthening their military partnership and enhancing their ability to respond to a wide range of security challenges in the Baltic Sea region. This event is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the sailors and aircrew involved, and it underscores the importance of exercises like BALTOPS in promoting regional stability.
The exercise, which began June 5, is the premier annual maritime-focused military exercise in the Baltic region. BALTOPS provides NATO allies a unique opportunity to train together, strengthen interoperability and demonstrate collective readiness to defend the Alliance and preserve freedom of navigation in the region.
Participating nations include Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
BALTOPS includes training in a wide range of capabilities, including amphibious operations, gunnery, air defense, anti-submarine warfare, mine countermeasures, explosive ordnance disposal, and medical response. It also incorporates unmanned surface and underwater vehicles into various scenarios.
It is led by U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet and command-and-controlled by Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, headquartered in Oeiras, Portugal. The STRIKFORNATO headquarters will host liaison officers and planners from each participating country, working together in a multinational coordination center.
From U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs