 NATO allies and partners boarded the USS Mount Whitney in Tallinn, Estonia for a brief and preparation for ball tops 2016. The exercise is one of the largest in Northern Europe and is designed to increase interoperability between the nations and enhance flexibility. Vice Admiral James Fogo III, Commander Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, explains the importance of the mission. It's an opportunity for the NATO Alliance to go to sea and to train together. We're going to conduct a series of operations and exercises and events over the next two weeks that span the full spectrum of naval warfare and our capability. Over the two week exercise, land, air and sea forces will train together to send the message that they are committed to each other and to regional security. In the events, one of the nations was in crisis, one of the nations was attacked. That NATO would be there to provide for their security and provide for their defense and I think that's a very strong message. Reporting from the USS Mount Whitney, I'm Petty Officer Rebecca Sunderland.