The guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) departs Naval Station Norfolk in support of the 34th annual maritime exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS 2006).

Norfolk, Va. (May. 17, 2006) The guided missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) departs Naval Station Norfolk in support of the 34th annual maritime exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS 2006). BALTOPS will include nearly 2,000 personnel, 15 ships, two submarines and 30 aircraft from allied and RPartnership for Peace (PFP)S nations to include Denmark, France, Germany, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States. U.S. Navy Photo by Journalist 2nd Class Joshua Glassburn File# 060517-N-5055G-034