Joint Freedom of Navigation Exercise in the Baltics

April 13, 2096

International Freedom of Navigation Exercise in the Baltic Sea

Upon the reception of actionable SIGINT from a Raritanian intelligence operation, the Imperium's NIEA (National Intelligence and Espionage Agency) determined that there was a legitimate and credible threat to the safety and security of vessels traversing international waters in the Baltic Sea and the Strait of Skaggerak. 

Pictured: Direct Communication Between Raritania and the Soviet Federation Confirming Soviet Intent to Shut Down the Skaggerak Strait

Due to the massive security implications and economic concerns that such a reckless (and illegal) blockade may postulate, President Regan ordered the formation of an international coalition to exercise Freedom of Navigation in the Baltic Sea and specifically, the Skaggerak Strait, which is a critical chokepoint between East, West, and Northern Europe. Regan cited the right of traversal in international waters for all vessels as a key reason for organizing this operation.

Under no circumstances does the Soviet Federation have the right to interfere with the traversal of civilian or military vessels in international waters, especially when those vessels do not pose any threat to the Soviet Federation. It is sad that Soviet paranoia has led them to see the Gothenburg Protectorate as a threat to their survival. Equally, I do not see what other recourse is available except to ensure that our allies are capable of freely traversing those international waters which the Soviet Federation intends to shut down. I call upon all nations, to ensure that we, the international community, have the right to freely traverse the high seas without fear of persecution or warfare.

Pictured: President Regan Addressing the Press About the Freedom of Navigation Exercise in the Baltics

For the actual task force, the United Imperium will head up the coalition, sending 50 ships from the European Theater Command (including a carrier strike group and an undisclosed quantity of nuclear submarines). The Ajakoans will send 43 ships, consisting of battleship and carrier strike groups. Like the American European Theater Command Ships, the Ajakoan vessels are based out of Sedrosia, and will be able to rapidly rendevous for the operation. The Netherlands will send ten ships, Iberian Lunoria will send 13 ships, Canada will send four ships, and Sedrosia will be sending two cruisers and a destroyer. Aurelia will send two nuclear submarines, and Victoria will send two "moral support" vessels. Raritania will also be sending a small contingent of fighter aircraft to assist the operation.

 Pictured: American Carrier Strike Group Off the Coast of Europe Preparing to Rendevous Ahead of Freedom of Navigation Operation in Baltics

The operation is expected to begin in around a week, with vessels from Aurelia, Victoria, and Canada arriving a few weeks after the operation's start time. The instructions are clear: the Coalition Task Force is to traverse the Baltic Sea and the Strait of Skaggerak. They are not to stray from international waters, because the purpose of this operation is to assert the right of traversal in international waters. There will be no incursion into Soviet waters or airspace. 

Miscellaneous Notes (Ajako I am not writing a full bulletin about these things)

1. The housing bubble bursts as massive panic sales of stocks occur (this is likely due to the Ajakoan manufacturing controversy). A freak economic event that is sure to have drastic ramifications in the extremely near future. The future of the economy is uncertain.
2. Regan continues to push back on Ecuador, La Plata, for their roles in a conspiracy of invasion and subjugation against TUI ally Cruzeiro, calling them "joke nations." He also thanked the Dutch, the Ajakoans, and the Graveyard Fleet for their roles in their work halting the conspiracy.
3. La Plata dignitaries are furious at the Imperium for this remark, evidently forgetting that the Imperium held the line against Peru Bolivia before La Plata was even ready to respond during the Plata-Peru war. Regan notes that his patience is "growing thin over repeated hostilities and displays of incompetence." Insider reports indicate Regan is preparing to terminate the Imperium's MDP with La Plata.
4. Internal Reports from the Imperium Soccer Federation Suggest that Erlan Holland may be on the hot seat if he cannot take the Imperium to the Nations Cup Final this year.
5. A small protest at the Sports and Tourism Commission regarding the state of Imperium Baseball turns violent, with multiple civilians hospitalized, but no fatalities.
6. Imperium passes bipartisan resolution criticizing Raritania for attack on Ecuadorian stealth bomber, calling it "Unjustified, reckless, and incredibly inappropriate." The resolution also praised Escharia for being willing to come to the negotiating table to make a peaceful resolution in spite of many of the involved parties attempting to escalate the conflict to a full-on war.
7. Imperium to make major investment into Nebelystani aviation and commerce, exact details to be finalized.
8. OSC Internal report leaked, reveals degree of speculation in the transport and commerce markets was far more severe than initially thought.
9. TUI signs MDP with Peru-Bolivia.
10. Legendary American Football Coach Nolan Saban to Retire from UIFL Coaching. Coach Saban won seven UIFL championships in his 30+ years of coaching the Balboa Knights, Kiev Resistance, and Roosevelt Eagles, winning his most recent UIFL championship with the Roosevelt Eagles in a 35-31 victory against the Pulisichia Reds in February of 2096.