US Navy’s Mount Whitney ship arrives in Lithuania

The U.S. Navy’s command and control ship USS Mount Whitney arrived in the Lithuanian port city of Klaipėda on June 23 for a scheduled port visit aimed at reinforcing maritime cooperation between the United States and Lithuania and supporting security efforts on NATO’s eastern flank, the US embassy in Lithuania announced.

The USS Mount Whitney, flagship of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, is operated by a combined crew of U.S. Navy personnel and civilian mariners from the Military Sealift Command. The vessel serves as a key command-and-control platform for naval operations across the European theater, Caliber.Az reports. 

“Team 20 is excited to be back in Lithuania, a key partner for our ship and Navy,” said Capt. Colin Price, commanding officer of USS Mount Whitney. “Working together with our Lithuanian Allies is important for ensuring a coordinated and effective maritime force in the region.”

The visit forms part of the ship’s routine deployment in the Baltic Sea. During its stay in Klaipėda, the crew and embarked staff are scheduled to hold meetings with Lithuanian military officials and local authorities to discuss maritime coordination and naval interoperability. Sailors and civilian mariners will also participate in community service activities.

The port call coincides with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of American independence and highlights the long-standing partnership between the United States and Lithuania.

“The United States and Lithuania share a common purpose: we are partners in freedom. USS Mount Whitney is not only a testament to American excellence in engineering; it is a tangible symbol of our collective resolve to defend liberty,” said U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania Kara C. McDonald.

U.S. officials described Lithuania as a key NATO ally that continues to invest in defense modernization and provide critical infrastructure supporting regional security and energy resilience.

Following the completion of its engagements in Klaipėda, USS Mount Whitney will continue operations within the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of responsibility. Headquartered in Naples, Italy, the Sixth Fleet conducts a broad range of naval and joint operations in coordination with allies and partners to promote regional security and stability.

By Sabina Mammadli