USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Valletta, Malta, Jan. 19, 2018, for a scheduled port visit.

The visit served to enhance U.S.-Malta relations as the two nations work together for a stable, secure and prosperous European region.

While in Valletta, Mount Whitney will provide ship tours and host a reception aboard the ship.

"The Sailors and civilian mariners of Mount Whitney are thrilled to renew our long standing relationship with Malta," said Captain Kavon Hakimzadeh, commanding officer of Mount Whitney. "The rich history and cultural attractions of this Mediterranean paradise have made it a favorite port call for generations of U.S. Sailors."

While in Valletta, the crew will have the chance to enjoy liberty and see some of Malta's historical and cultural sites, enjoy cultural exchanges and participate in a community relations project that supports the local community.

"Our Sailors are very excited about our port visit to Malta," said Mount Whitney Command Master Chief Andrew Hochgraver. "The visit provides an opportunity for some world class liberty full of rich culture and history, community service opportunities, and most importantly, establishing new relationships with our host nation of Malta."

The last ship to conduct a port visit to Malta was the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Carney (DDG 64) in Dec. 2017. Mount Whitney last visited Malta in 2011.

Mount Whitney is currently conducting routine training in the region in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Asia. The ship recently completed a 10-month maintenance overhaul and upgrade to the shipboard computer network and command, control, communications, computers, cyber and intelligence (C4I) systems.

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, 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 www.navy.mil/.