Reconnaissance Marines of the Ground Combat Element, Black Sea Rotational Force 12 display their signature "Recon Paddle" in place of a traditional guidon, while in formation during the opening ceremony of BALTOPS 2012. The paddle is adorned with patches of the various locations the Marines have deployed during their six-month rotation. The Marines and sailors of BSRF-12 joined Lithuanian infantry soldiers and naval divers from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in a combined formation for the opening ceremonies of Exercise BALTOPS 2012. BSRF-12 is a Special-Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force training with 19 countries to facilitate interoperability with U.S. partner nations and promote regional stability while providing a limited crisis response capability in the Black Sea and Caucasus regions. BALTOPS 2012 aims to improve maritime security in the Baltic region through increased interoperability and cooperation amongst regional allies both on land and sea.