The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), arrived in Tunis, Tunisia, for a scheduled port visit on April 17, to reinforce the enduring partnership between the United States and Tunisia. 

On the same occasion, the Tunisian Navy conducted a commissioning ceremony for two American 110-foot (34-meter) Island Class Patrol Boats, which the United States transferred to Tunisia, the latest in a series of U.S. equipment contributions that strengthen Tunisia’s capacity to secure its maritime borders and advance regional security. 

As the flagship of U.S. 6th Fleet, Mount Whitney plays a key role in maritime security and cooperation throughout the Mediterranean and African theaters.  The visit underscores the U.S. commitment to regional stability and its enduring strategic partnership with Tunisia, a U.S. major non-NATO Ally.

“The USS Mount Whitney’s visit is especially meaningful because it falls during the 220^th anniversary of the 1805 Battle of Derna, when, through the support and cooperation of Tunisia, the U.S. military defeated maritime terrorism to make a more stable and secure region for commerce and economic development,” U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia Joey Hood said.

During the visit, the ship hosted a reception, welcoming military, diplomatic, and civic leaders from Tunisia.  The event served as a platform to celebrate bilateral cooperation and discuss shared goals in maritime security, regional defense, and future engagements.

The U.S. and Tunisia have worked closely for decades on military training, professional development, and counterterrorism efforts.  This visit by Mount Whitney adds another chapter to the strong legacy of collaboration between the two countries.

“This visit underscores the vital role strong partnerships play in ensuring maritime security,” Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Vice Adm. J. T. Anderson said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to engage with our Tunisian counterparts and reaffirm our commitment to working together for a more stable and secure Mediterranean.”

Mount Whitney, forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa. The U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.