Freezing Winds strengthened military capabilities and strengthened the US-Finnish partnership in a challenging environment. The exercise involved units and personnel from 12 countries, including Finland, Sweden, the United States and NATO Allied Maritime Command’s (MARCOM) Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG) 1. The exercise included combined joint maritime operations from both a maritime and amphibious perspective, testing the interoperability and competence of allied and partner nations through multiple warfare zones in a challenging situation.

“Our annual maritime defense exercise offers a unique opportunity to practice demanding combat missions in the harsh November weather conditions of the Baltic Sea,” said Jukka Anteroinen, Commander of the Naval Staff. “The participation of American partners is a very welcome addition to the Finnish Navy’s Freezing Winds 22 exercise. High-level assets such as the USS Paul Ignatius, the P8 Poseidon and the ever-professional Marine Corps personnel add great value to our maritime operations with the remarkable capabilities they provide. Our combined education increases the stability and safety of the entire Baltic Sea region.”

Paul Ignatius joined the exercise on November 25 and has participated in numerous events during the exercise to develop skills in communications integration, formation steam, air and missile defense, surface warfare and strike warfare. In addition, sailors completed cross-deck development work with the Royal Danish Navy’s Absalon-class frigate HDMS Esbern Snare (F342) and the Royal Netherlands Navy’s De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate HNLMS Tromp (F803), both currently assigned to SNMG 1.

“My crew and I are grateful for the wonderful exercise carried out and led by our Finnish partners. Freezing Winds 22 provides an excellent platform for several countries to integrate and improve our lethality at sea,” said Cmdr. Aaron Arky, commanding officer of the Paul Ignatius. “The stability and security of the Baltic Sea region depends on the strength of our fleet. The Finnish Navy is a world-class organization and my crew was honored to sail with them in extremely cold conditions .

Paul Ignatius’ participation in Freezing Winds and the subsequent port visit to Helsinki further strengthens the strong and sustainable relations formed between the US and Finnish military, especially in the field of shipping. Earlier this year, several US destroyers and ships of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group, including the USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), made port calls in Helsinki while operating throughout the Baltic Sea.

While in port, the crew can enjoy the sights and culture of Helsinki and welcome guests on guided tours. This visit offers Paul Ignatius Sailors and the local Finnish population an opportunity to strengthen people-to-people ties as the United States and Finland continue their close cooperation to ensure security and stability in the Baltic Sea region.

Four U.S. Navy destroyers, including the Paul Ignatius, are based in Rota, Spain and assigned to Commander Task Force 65 in support of NATO’s Integrated Air Missile Defense Architecture. These FDNF-E vessels have the flexibility to operate across European and African waters from the Cape of Good Hope to the Arctic Circle, demonstrating their mastery of the maritime industry.

For more than 80 years, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and U.S. Naval Forces Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF) have forged strategic relationships with their allies and partners, leveraging a foundation of shared values ​​to maintain security and stability.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, NAVEUR-NAVAF operates US naval forces in the US European Command (USEUCOM) and US Africa Command (USAFRICOM) areas of responsibility. The US Sixth Fleet is permanently designated NAVEUR-NAVAF and employs naval forces across the spectrum of joint and naval operations.