 Maritime forces from 10 nations and NATO participated in the 41st annual Baltic operations or balltops. The exercise started with a conference where top naval leaders explained what participants can expect to gain from the program. I think we'll challenge you, and they will provide plenty of opportunity for great seamanship and training, for communication, for sharing, for learning, and for capturing all that in a lessons learned. Vice-General Pandoff also told sailors to prepare for a diverse operation. Between the surface work, the air work, some submarine work, and the mine sweeping work, there's a rich menu of opportunities to sharpen our skills. Leaders and crew members say that they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead. Sergeant Jeffrey Hernandez, Fenceville, LA.