A man from Gibsonia is participating in a multi-national exercise this week in the Baltic Sea.
Petty Officer 1st Class Thomas Claypool says this is his first NATO exercise, and that he’s looking forward to gaining more global awareness of what we do with our allies and NATO forces.
Eighteen nations are participating in this month’s exercise-called BALTOPS 2019- which concludes on Friday. It involves sea, air and land assets.
Claypool is a gas turbine systems technician (electrical) aboard the USS Gravely, which is stationed in Norfolk, Virginia.
“I’m an engineer, I’ll be making sure the plant is steaming safe and that there’s power to the ship during the exercise,” Claypool said.
Claypool credits his success in the Navy to many of the lessons he learned growing up in Gibsonia.
“I took basic electricity class in high school and I pretty much apply it to my everyday job,” said Claypool.
BALTOPS 2019 was planned and is being led by U.S. 2nd Fleet (C2F), as directed by U.S. Naval Forces Europe. C2F was re-established last summer as a response to the changing security environment, and BALTOPS 2019 marks the first time the renewed fleet will be operating in Europe.
Commander, C2F, Vice Adm. Andrew “Woody” Lewis, will lead the exercise on behalf of U.S. Naval Forces Europe.
“As you all are aware, U.S. 2nd Fleet will be leading the exercise, but make no mistake, it will be founded on NATO and partner principles,” said Lewis. “Through BALTOPS 2019 and exercises like it, we strengthen our relationships and improve overall coordination and interoperability between allies and partners during both peace and times of conflict.”
The exercise will begin in Kiel, Germany, with the pre-sail conference. At-sea training will occur throughout the Baltic Sea, including events scheduled near Putlos, Germany; Saaremaa Island, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; Klaipeda, Lithuania; and Ravlunda, Sweden. At the end of the exercise, most participating ships will sail to Kiel, Germany, to participate in the Kielerwochen Festival (Kiel Week).
Allied nations with ships and forces participating in BALTOPS 2019 include Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. NATO partner nations Finland and Sweden will also participate in the exercise.
Serving in the Navy means Claypool is part of a world that is taking on new importance in America’s focus on rebuilding military readiness, strengthening alliances and reforming business practices in support of the National Defense Strategy.
A key element of the Navy the nation needs is tied to the fact that America is a maritime nation, and that the nation’s prosperity is tied to the ability to operate freely on the world’s oceans. More than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water; 80 percent of the world’s population lives close to a coast; and 90 percent of all global trade by volume travels by sea.
“Our priorities center on people, capabilities and processes, and will be achieved by our focus on speed, value, results and partnerships,” said Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer. “Readiness, lethality and modernization are the requirements driving these priorities.”
Though there are many ways for sailors to earn distinction in their command, community, and career, Claypool is most proud of a recent Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal he received for an intensive two-day audit of engineering gear under his watch.
“It shows that people see the work that I’ve done,” Claypool said.
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Claypool and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“I love my job and I want to ensure that my family is safe at home, as well as everyone else,” Claypool said. “I feel more of a sense of accomplishment doing this for a greater good than just having a job.”
