The U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Batumi, Georgia for a scheduled port visit, Oct. 12, 2016.

The ship's operations in the Black Sea are meant to enhance maritime security, stability, readiness, and strengthen partnerships with our allies and partners.

Quotes:
"The crew of the USS Mount Whitney is very pleased to visit Batumi, Georgia after sailing, training and operating in the Mediterranean and Black sea. We also look forward to learning about the Georgian people, culture and customs during our visit."
Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello,
commanding officer, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20)

Quick Facts:
Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Batumi, Georgia demonstrates the shared commitment we have to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance our interoperability with our NATO allies and partners.

Mount Whitney's port visit provides Sailors an opportunity to meet with naval counterparts in order to strengthen bonds for an enhanced partnership.

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

Elements of the U.S. 6th Fleet staff are currently embarked aboard USS Mount Whitney to provide planning support to U.S. European Command's (USEUCOM) computer-assisted exercise, Austere Challenge 17. AC 17 will test the ability of USEUCOM and component staffs to conduct prompt coordination and synchronization will partner agencies and provide strategic access to various locations around the globe.

The U.S. Navy, on a normal and routine basis, operates ships in the Black Sea consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law.

USS Mount Whitney, home-ported in Gaeta, Italy, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests 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.

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/.