The U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) entered drydock, Dec. 19, for its 2017 shipyard period.

During this time, vital systems and a hospitality upgrade will be installed over the six month shipyard period. Mount Whitney will return to service in 2017 following the installation period in Gaeta, Italy, where the ship is forward deployed to.

"The crew of Mount Whitney and the professionals at Viktor Lenac Shipyard ensured today's dry docking evolution was performed safely and efficiently," said Capt. Kevon Hakimzadeh, USS Mount Whitney commanding officer. "Completing this first major milestone on time sets the stage for a strong cooperative effort as we focus on completion of the 2017 Mount Whitney service life extension program."

Mount Whitney, is currently operating in the Mediterranean Sea, working with allies and regional partners to help develop and improve maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work toward mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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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/.