The U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) departed Batumi, Georgia, Oct. 18 after completing a successful port visit.
While in Batumi, Sailors had the opportunity to participate in community relation projects, provide tours of Mount Whitney, participate in multiple sporting events and engage with Georgian coast guard members during military-to-military engagements.
“Our port visit in Batumi, Georgia was absolutely fantastic. The opportunity to engage and interact professionally, socially and athletically with our Georgian counterparts was invaluable towards advancing an enduring bilateral partnership; a partnership committed to security and stability in the region.” – Capt. Mark Colombo, USS Mount Whitney, commanding officer, Oct. 18, 2014
“Working side-by-side with service members from Georgia is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. I will never forget my time in Georgia and the exceptional hospitality of the Georgian people.” – Logistic Specialist 1st Class RJ Celemin, Oct. 14, 2014
Quick Facts:
Mount Whitney Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners conducted hands-on demonstrations of firefighting, maneuvering, signaling and emergency action procedures.
The Georgian coast guard members participated in a leadership and ethics discussion.
Mount Whitney Sailors participated in an American Corners open discussion at the Batumi library.
U.S. Naval Forces Europe (NAVEUR) Band conducted a public concert for the local community.
Mount Whitney hosted the U.S. Ambassador to Georgia, the Georgian Prime Minister and local government officials.
Mount Whitney, forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. The civil service mariners perform navigation, deck, engineering and supply service operations, while military personnel support communications, weapons systems and security. It is one of only two seaborne Joint Command Platforms in the US Navy, both of which are forward deployed.
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.
