The US naval transport ship, the USNS 2nd LT John P Bobo, arrived at the Paldiski Southern Harbor, transporting armored vehicles, supplies and US Marines, who will take part in the BALTOPS military exercises.
The 200m long ship is carrying tanks, heavy construction equipment and supplies to support a 1000 man Marine battle group. The USNS Bobo is part of the Maritime Prepositioning Program, whose purpose is to transport equipment and supplies all over the world to military conflicts and countries experiencing a humanitarian crisis. Maritime Prepositioning ships are stationed in the Mediterranean, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The USNS Bobo sailed to the Baltic Sea from the Mediterranean.
One squadron contains 4 ships similar to the USNS Bobo. Together, they carry equipment and supplies for one 17,000 man Marine Expeditionary Brigade, as well as enough food, fuel , ammunition and spare parts to sustain a 30 day military operation. Their equipment includes 7 ton armored vehicles, M777 artillery pieces, M1A1 tanks as well as a lighter system that enables the ships to disembark this equipment a distance of up to 4 miles from shore.
The USNS Bobo is 205 m long, 32 m wide, with a draft of 15 m and a top speed of 17.7 knots.
BALTOPS began on Monday in Tallinn with the assembly of BALTOP's multinational operational staff. In the coming weeks, US and Estonian forces will practice offloading equipment and supplies from the USNS Bobo, as well as readying armored vehicles and equipment for battle.
At noon on June 14, the US Marines will demonstrate the disembarkation of vehicles and supplies from the USNS Bobo using a system of lighters. The operation can be seen by the public from viewing areas near Paldiski.
In addition, Estonian Defense League units from Tallinn, Harju and Rapla will conduct joint exercises with US Marines, where tactical maneuvers will be practiced and Estonian Defense League personnel will conduct a survival course for the US Marines.
BALTOPS is an annual military exercise in the Baltic Sea led by the United States Naval Forces Europe. This is the 40th BALTOPS exercise. Since 2010, amphibious operations and maritime offload operations have been included in the exercise. In 2010, US Marines conducted an amphibious landing in Loksa, Estonia. This year, a similar exercise will be conducted in Lithuania.
In conjunction with BALTOPS which will continue until June 23, United States European Command will conduct Exercise Saber Strike from June 11 to 22 in conjunction with Estonian and Latvian land forces. Near the end of June, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will conduct Baltic Host, a joint staff exercise with NATO allies.
