Rear Adm. Francesco Novella, deputy chief of staff of operations, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, answers questions from local press aboard the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) moored in Tallinn, Estonia.

TALLINN, Estonia (Jun. 04, 2016) Rear Adm. Francesco Novella, deputy chief of staff of operations, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, answers questions from local press aboard the USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) moored in Tallinn, Estonia. BALTOPS is an annual recurring multinational exercise designed to improve interoperability, enhance flexibility, and demonstrate the resolve of allied and partner nations to defend the Baltic region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Alyssa Weeks) File# 160604-N-KP948-157