USS Mount Whitney Conducts PASSEX with Romania in Black Sea

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS161020-08
Release Date: 10/20/2016 10:04:00 AM

By Seaman Ford Williams, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) Public Affairs

BLACK SEA (NNS) -- U.S. 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) participated in a bilateral passing exercise (PASSEX) with a ship from the Romanian navy in the Black Sea, Oct. 20.

The PASSEX was conducted in order improve maritime capabilities between the U.S. and Romania, and included a series of at-sea training evolutions.

Quote:

"The USS Mount Whitney, as the Commander, U.S. Navy 6th Fleet flagship, continues to operate freely in the Black Sea engaging in at-sea naval presence and training opportunities with our partners and allies in the region. Our strong relationship with the Romanian fleet was bolstered today though exercises conducted in the Black Sea to demonstrate our resolve to maintain peace and stability in this region. USS Mount Whitney continues forward, engaged, and ready." - Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, commanding officer, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20)

Quick Facts:

Mount Whitney participated in a minesweeping exercise with Romanian navy corvette Admiral Eustaiu Sebastian (F-264), as well as a maneuvering exercise.

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.

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.

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

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.