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USS Mount Whitney Hosts U.S. Ambassador to Malta, Maltese Officials

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS180122-11
Release Date: 1/22/2018 11:47:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Feddersen

VALLETTA, Malta (NNS) -- The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) hosted U.S. Ambassador to Malta, Honorable G. Kathleen Hill, Adm. James Foggo III, commander, Naval Forces Europe/Naval Forces Africa, and Maltese officials for a dinner and tour, Jan. 19.

The official party also included Maltese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Carmelo Abela, Maltese Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, Mr. Michael Farrugia, Maltese Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Mr. Keith Schembri, and Rear Adm. Thomas Ishee, commander, Submarine Group 8.

The visit allowed Mount Whitney to showcase the ship to the ambassador and officials, and provide insight of what capabilities the ship brings to the region.

"It was a pleasure to show Ambassador Hill and our high level delegation of Maltese leaders the capabilities of the newly refurbished U.S. 6th Fleet command ship," said Capt. Kavon Hakimzadeh, commanding officer of Mount Whitney.

The visit also gave Adm. Foggo the opportunity to discuss the importance of U.S. and Maltese relations.

"We had a very interesting discussion about the key strategic location that Malta occupies and why it is important to us to be able make port visits with ships like USS Carney, and now Mount Whitney," said Foggo. "It gives our Sailors a little rest and recreation, and also provides the opportunity to have key access to the Mediterranean for naval exercises."

Mount Whitney is currently conducting routine training in the region in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Asia.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.