Joint Recovery Exercise Highlights NATO Readiness

During exercise BALTOPS 25, U.S. and allied forces conducted a joint personnel recovery training event near Bornholm, Denmark. The scenario simulated the rescue of a downed pilot, with coordination across NATO’s command and control network. A U.S. Air Force SERE specialist from the 52nd Fighter Wing played the isolated person, prompting a multinational search and recovery effort. An MH-60S Seahawk from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 executed the recovery, supported by the German navy vessel Frankfurt am Main.

Following the extraction, a Role 2 multinational medical team conducted emergency response drills aboard the ship. The exercise focused on improving coordination, communication, and medical readiness among participating nations. BALTOPS 25, now in its 54th iteration, continues to promote interoperability and reinforce NATO’s shared commitment to personnel recovery and collective defense operations.