VetFriends Members: 3,064,780

 

History of USS MOUNT WHITNEY

USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC-20) is a Blue Ridge-class command ship commissioned into the United States Navy in 1971. Named after the highest peak in the contiguous United States, she serves as the flagship for the U.S. Sixth Fleet, operating primarily in the Mediterranean Sea. Equipped with advanced communications and command facilities, the ship has played a pivotal role in coordinating naval operations, humanitarian missions, and joint exercises with NATO allies. Over her decades of service, USS MOUNT WHITNEY has supported major operations including peacekeeping efforts in the Balkans and crisis response missions across Europe and Africa.

Members

ABOUT USS MOUNT WHITNEY

  • Flagship Role: USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20) serves as the flagship for the United States Sixth Fleet, providing command and control capabilities for joint and combined military operations.
  • Named After a Mountain: The ship is named after Mount Whitney, the highest summit in the contiguous United States, symbolizing its high command role.
  • Commissioned in 1971: USS Mount Whitney was commissioned on January 16, 1971, and has been in active service for over 50 years.
  • Amphibious Command Ship: As a Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ship, Mount Whitney is equipped with advanced communications and control systems, enabling it to serve as a floating headquarters.
  • Bosnia and Kosovo Operations: The ship played a critical role in coordinating NATO’s operations during the conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s.
  • Humanitarian Missions: USS Mount Whitney has participated in several humanitarian missions, including disaster relief in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.
  • Dual Crewing: The ship operates with a unique crew composition, combining U.S. Navy sailors and Military Sealift Command civilian mariners.
  • State-of-the-Art Upgrades: Mount Whitney underwent significant modernization in 2004, receiving state-of-the-art communication, navigation, and command systems.
  • Homeport in Italy: Since 2005, the ship’s homeport has been Gaeta, Italy, enhancing U.S. Navy presence and rapid response capability in Europe and Africa.
  • Libya Operations: In 2011, USS Mount Whitney served as the command ship for Operation Odyssey Dawn, coordinating coalition strikes during the Libyan Civil War.

Navy Best Sellers