U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Constanta, Romania, for a scheduled port visit Oct. 17.

Strengthening alliances through port visits such as this reinforces the shared commitment to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance interoperability with NATO allies and partners.

Quotes:

"During our visit to Constanta, Romania, we look forward to developing our relationship and broadening our cooperation with Romania, a valued NATO ally. As the USS Mount Whitney continues to operate in the Black Sea, 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 forward, engaged, and ready." - Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, commanding officer, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20)

Quick Facts:

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

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

Elements of the U.S. 6th Fleet staff are currently embarked aboard 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 with partner agencies and provide strategic access to various locations around the globe.

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

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

Mount Whitney, forward deployed to 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 http://www.navy.mil/.