KIEL, Germany – Petty Officer 1st Class Arial Lucky, a native of Ocala, Florida, is participating in the Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) exercise with 18 other nations.
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| Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Steven Edgar |
“This is my first time being a part of this class of ship with so many different commands on it,” said Lucky. “I'm looking forward to seeing how every command pulls together on this ship to accomplish our mission.”
BALTOPS 2019, scheduled for June 08-21, includes sea, air and land assets. The multi-national exercise provides a unique training opportunity that fosters cooperative relationships critical to ensuring safety at sea and security on the world's interconnected oceans. According to U.S. Navy officials, it is designed to improve training value for participants, enhance flexibility and interoperability, and demonstrate resolve among allied and partner forces in defending the Baltic Sea region.
Lucky is an aviation electronics technician attached to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 (HSC-28) based in Norfolk, Virginia.
Lucky credits success in the Navy to many of the lessons learned growing up in Ocala.
“You have to pull your own weight in Ocala,” said Lucky. “The Navy is the same. When I was younger my dad did his best to teach me responsibility, and my mom taught me how to treat people. That's pretty common in my hometown. I utilize those two things every day in the military.”
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 Lucky 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, Lucky is most proud of the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal she recently received for volunteering 500 hours to seven different charities in the Norfolk area.
“Being in the Navy is great, but I like to give back," said Lucky. "For me that was the most heartfelt accomplishment I've had while being in the Navy.”
As a member of one of the U.S. Navy’s most relied upon assets, Lucky and other sailors know they are part of a legacy that will last beyond their lifetimes contributing to the Navy the nation needs.
“Serving in the military has allowed me to find my purpose,” said Lucky. “When I left Ocala, I didn't know what I was going to do with my life. In the Navy, I started meeting people and learning from others. The reason I stay in is because of the people.”