The command master chief of the Italy-based Blue-Ridge class command ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) was relieved of his duties Nov. 11, 2016. This action is the result of an investigation into a port-visit incident in Batumi, Georgia in October 2016.

Master Chief Petty Officer Matthew J. Dickinson was removed from his position by Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, commanding officer, USS Mount Whitney

Dickinson, who had served aboard Mount Whitney since May 2014, has been temporarily reassigned to the staff of Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet.

Dickinson is being relieved by Master Chief Petty Officer Andrew J. Hochgraver, who is assigned to Mount Whitney on previously arranged orders to turn over as command master chief in November 2016.

For questions related to this release, contact Lt. Amelia Umayam +39-335-179-6342

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For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/