U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) departed Gaeta, Italy, Aug. 13 for a scheduled port visit to participate in commemorative events honoring the liberation of southern France by allied forces during World War II.

Such port visits serve not only to commemorate combined heritage and the defeat of tyranny in Europe, but also to enhance U.S.-France relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure, and prosperous region.

Quote:

"The Mount Whitney crew enjoys and is thankful for the hospitality and support of the local Italian community. We look forward to returning to our forward-deployed naval force homeport of Gaeta, Italy. Today's departure was smoothly executed with flawless support from the Naval Support Activity Naples Detachment Gaeta and local harbor support. As a part of the local community, we enjoy and anticipate future engagements including community service and cultural exchange events, increasing wellness and professional awareness." - Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, commanding officer, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20)

Quick Facts:

Mount Whitney will participate in a remembrance ceremony at Rhone American Cemetery, host a reception aboard the ship, and participate in various other ceremonies around the area.

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.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

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