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Sixth Fleet Flagship Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090417-14
Release Date: 4/17/2009 5:10:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Rosa Larson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

GAETA, Italy (NNS) -- USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20), welcomed a new commanding officer during a ceremony aboard April 17.

Capt. Karl O. Thomas relieved Capt. Owen P. Honors as commanding officer of the U.S. Sixth Fleet flagship, which is forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy.

Thomas will be the fourth commanding officer of Mount Whitney since it became the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship after taking over for USS La Salle (AGF 3).

During his remarks, Thomas commended the crew's professionalism and said he felt fortunate to be a part of such a unique team.

"The teamwork here is impressive," said Thomas. "Just look around you. [Mount Whitney] is certainly one of the most talented, professional and fortunate crews in the U.S. Navy."

Honors, who served as Mount Whitney's commanding officer since January 2008, thanked the crew for their significant accomplishments during his tenure. He will go on to serve as commanding officer of USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

"I'm so proud of this crew and everything we've done," said Honors. "They are all fantastic Sailors - dedicated professionals - and always accomplish the mission."

Thomas, who last served as executive officer for aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), said he looked forward to continuing the work Honors accomplished and supporting Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.

"I hope I can fill Owen's shoes and continue the leadership he provided to the crew," said Thomas.

Since Mount Whitney replaced La Salle, the flagship has participated in operations such as Joint Task Force Lebanon and humanitarian relief missions in the Republic of Georgia.

The ship has a hybrid crew of more than 300 Sailors and Military Sealift Command civilian mariners. Mount Whitney also serves as command and control ship for Commander, Joint Command Lisbon and Commander, Striking Force NATO.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.