Oceanography fortifies BALTOPS

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. - With more than 18 nations, 50 surface ships, 36 aircraft, two submarines and 8,600 personnel involved in the 47th annual Baltic Operations (BALTOPS), the people of Naval Oceanography could be easily overshadowed, but the work they do fortifies the entire exercise. “Before any ship, submarine or aircraft enters or effectively maneuvers in the Baltic Sea and surrounding region, it must have a deep understanding of the environment,” said Rear Adm. John Okon, commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NMOC) here at Stennis Space Center. “Everything we do in the Navy and the Joint Force starts with our environmental analysis and prediction, and our team is on watch, afloat and ashore 24/7 to ensure there are no surprises.” Hydrographers worked closely with amphibious operations planners to determine strategic landing locations through the identification of reefs, tides, currents, and anchorages to ensure safe landings. The California-based Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC) provided atmospheric environmental information, while the satellite location at Stennis provided current directions, wave height, water temperature and salinity, and acoustic parameter forecasts to support amphibious landings and surface ship navigation. “We’ve never done a direct near real-time data release during BALTOPS, and coordinating that with a foreign country was exciting,” said FNMOC Oceanographer Michele Jordan. BALTOPS is an annual joint, multinational maritime-focused exercise designed to strengthen partner relationships, enhance flexibility and interoperability, and demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces in defending the Baltic Sea region. (Source: Naval Meteorology and Oceanography 06/24/19)