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International Security Protection for U.S. Navy Sailors

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100624-19
6/24/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Sylvia Nealy, USS Mount Whitney Public Affairs

KIEL, Germany (NNS) -- USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) continued to maintain force protection with the help of 40 German navy sailors, who also provided force protection security access to two other U.S. Navy ships during a four-day port visit June 18-22.

"Since this isn't my first port visit to Kiel, I already knew the excellent security they provided; this gave me the confidence knowing our port visit would be both productive and enjoyable," said Cmdr. James Fleming, executive officer of USS Mount Whitney.

The German Navy stood armed Entry Control Point watches which included vehicle inspection teams, patrol cars for the base and patrol boats in the water that provided security protection to the USS Groves (FFG 29), and USS Simpson (FFG 56).

"We don't have many occasions to work with U.S. American Sailors, so Kiel Week gives us that opportunity to interact, work and learn from the American Sailors," said Lt. j.g. Ernesto Sass-Moebus, 1st company for German Naval protection forces.

Force protection is the ship's ability to defend itself against a multitude of threats from explosive laden boats to being under surveillance.

"I was very satisfied with the protection the German's provided. They stood professional watches and were able to respond quickly for assistance, while taking pride in what they were doing," said Lt. j.g. Lyon Ellison, weapons officer aboard Mount Whitney.

On Saturday and Sunday afternoon, all three ships conducted an open house tour and hosted 3,500 local nationals who attended this event.

"This experience was very new to us, and I am glad I had the opportunity to tour the American ships and see their style of living and the way they conduct business on board," said Sass-Moebus.

On the last day of the port visit, Capt. Karl Thomas, commanding officer of USS Mount Whitney, held an award ceremony and presented letters of appreciation to the German Sailors, for making this a safe port visit for the Mount Whitney.

Mount Whitney is currently on her scheduled deployment. She is homeported in Gaeta, Italy, and operates with a hybrid crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Fleet Support Command civil service mariners.