Major US Command and Control ship visits Batumi

The United States (US) is forging closer maritime ties with Georgia, a NATO ally, and to increase security in the Black Sea region.

Today the US Navy 6th Fleet Command and Control ship, USS Mount Whitney, arrived in Georgia’s coastal city Batumi to enhance the naval partnership between Georgia and the US. 

The ship entered Georgian waters earlier today after sailing, training and operating in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

The ship’s operations in the Black Sea aimed to enhance maritime security, stability, readiness and strengthen partnerships with NATO's allies and partners, said the US Naval Forces webpage.

#USSMountWhitney arrived in #Batumi, #Georgia for a scheduled port visit, Oct. 12. https://t.co/dLKThycp4cpic.twitter.com/pdfyXTrfXT

— Naval Forces Europe (@USNavyEurope) October 12, 2016

Strengthening alliances during the port visit to Batumi, Georgia demonstrates the shared commitment we have to promote safety and stability within the region, while seeking opportunities to enhance our interoperability with our NATO allies and partners,” the US Navy said.

We also look forward to learning about the Georgian people, culture and customs during our visit,” said Captain Carlos Sardiello, a commanding officer of the ship, prior to the visit.

The ship can provide the most timely intelligence and operational support available in the US Navy. Photo by US Naval Forces Europe-Africa / US 6th Fleet.

The US Naval webpage stated the USS Mount Whitney's visit to Georgia provided sailors an opportunity to meet with their Georgian counterparts and strengthen bonds to enhance the existing partnership.

The USS Mount Whitney is regarded as one of the most modern communication ships in any Navy worldwide. It can transmit and receive large amounts of secure data to and from any point on earth and, consequently, is capable of providing the most timely intelligence and operational support available in the US Navy.

The ship, based in Gaeta, Italy, is conducting naval operations in the US 6th Fleet area of operations to support US national security interests in Europe.

The US 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts a full spectrum of naval operations, often together with allied, joint, and inter-agency partners, to advance US national interests as well as increasing security and stability in Europe and Africa.