U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Theoule-sur-Mer, France, Aug. 14 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 USS Mount Whitney is here in Theoule-sur-Mer conducting a host nation engagement and commemoration of past cooperation between France and the United States to enhance the security environment in the U.S. Navy 6th Fleet area of operations. We are very proud of the crew's performance and dedication to furthering U.S. Navy actions to support allies and partners working together on common challenges, with all contributions valued, toward a shared vision of prosperity, peace, and stability. USS Mount Whitney continues to be forward, engaged, and ready." - Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, commanding officer, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20)

Quick Facts:

The primary reason for the port visit is to commemorate the 72nd anniversary of Operation Dragoon, which played a pivotal role in the allied liberation of southern France in August 1944.

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/.