180604-N-PC620-0187

BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Foreign military officials and dignitaries pose for a photograph in the vehicle turning area of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during BALTOPS 2018 June 4, 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

180604-N-XT273-741 180604-N-XT273-741 BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO, second from right, and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite watch the flyby of a CV-22 Osprey aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in the Baltic Sea June 4, 2018, during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180612-N-FP878-040

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 1st Class Steven Bass, from Chattanooga, Tennessee, does maintenance aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 12. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180609-N-PF515-164 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visits the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF 7) in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Eu-rope enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist America A. Henry/Released)

180604-N-XT273-322 BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite lands aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in the Baltic Sea June 4, 2018, during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

191104-N-AS200-0112 GAETA, Italy (Nov. 3, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) addresses multi-national members participating in exercise Trident Jupiter 2019 while embarked on the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LLC 20) in Gaeta, Italy, Nov. 3, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

190529-N-WO404-034

LISBON, Portugal (May 29, 2019) Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) delivers remarks at a Distinguished Visitor (DV) event, led by STRIKFORNATO, in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the final event of Formidable Shield 2019, May 29, 2019. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nelson/Released)

180612-N-FP878-055

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Damage Controlman 3rd Class Ashley McMichael, from Charleston, North Carolina, dons a self-contained breathing apparatus during a fire drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 12. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180612-N-XT273-151 BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, meets with Turkish Capt. Serhat Demir, commanding officer, aboard the Gabya-class frigate TCG Gediz (F495) June 12, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180605-N-XT273-328 BALTIC SEA (June 5, 2018) Sailors aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) man the phone and distance line as the ship approaches the German Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) for a replenishment-at-sea in the Baltic Sea, June 5, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/ Released)

180611-N-XT273-1208 COPENHAGEN, Denmark (June 11, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, meets with Adm. Torben Mikkelsen, Danish chief of the navy, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 11. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180604-N-XT273-631 180604-N-XT273-631 BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO, right, speaks with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in the Baltic Sea June 4, 2018, during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

210607-N-FV745-0027 PUTLOS, Germany (June 8, 2021) – Marine Master Sgt. Sam McDaniels, assigned to Expeditionary Exploitation Unit One (EXU-1) at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, repairs tools outside a mobile field shop in Putlos, Germany, while participating in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2021, June 8, 2021. The 50th BALTOPS represents a continuous, steady commitment to reinforcing interoperability in the Alliance and providing collective maritime security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel James Lanari)

180612-N-FP878-093

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Gabrielle Howell, from Rochester, New York, fights a simulated fire during a fire drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 12. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180611-N-FP878-040

BALTIC SEA (June 11, 2018) Logistics Specialist 1st Class Lavetta Ryles, from Cleveland, restocks shelves in the ship’s store aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 11. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180609-N-PF515-007 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark (June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visits the Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF 7) in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Eu-rope enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist America A. Henry/Released)

SS Mount Whitney LCC-20

USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) is one of two Blue Ridge-class amphibious command ships of the United States Navy and is the flagship and command ship of the United States Sixth Fleet. USS Mount Whitney also serves as the Afloat Command Platform (ACP) of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO).

Mount Whitney is claimed to be the most sophisticated Command, Control, Communications, Computer, and Intelligence (C4I) ship ever commissioned.

She incorporates various elements of the most advanced C4I equipment and gives the embarked Joint Task Force Commander the capability to effectively command all units under their command.

Seen here alongside at Portland Harbour, Dorset, UK.

180606-N-TJ319-0289

BALTIC SEA (June 6, 2018) Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Joshua Sheik calls to line handlers as Landing Craft Utility 1656 enters the well deck of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 6. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

180613-N-FP878-076

BALTIC SEA (June 13, 2018) A MH-60R Seahawk from HSM-74, the Swamp Foxes, takes off from the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 13. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180609-N-PF515-115 BORNHOLM ISLAND, Denmark (June 9, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), and Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, STRIKFORNATO, visit the exercise task unit aboard the Spearhead-class expedition-ary fast transport ship USNS Carson City (T-EPF 7) in Bornholm Island, Denmark, June 9, during exercise Baltic Opera-tions (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist America A. Henry/Released)

180605-N-XT273-212 BALTIC SEA (June 5, 2018) Capt. Robert Aguilar, commanding officer of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), and Cmdr. Albert Benoit, executive officer, observes a replenishment-at-sea with the German Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) in the Baltic Sea, June 5, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/ Released)

180604-N-XT273-806 180604-N-XT273-806 BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO, right, speaks with Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in the Baltic Sea June 4, 2018, during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

191110-N-AS200-1118 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 10, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), center, boards a MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the “Dragon Whales” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28, in the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 10, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

180612-N-FP878-119

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Gabrielle Howell, from Rochester, New York, fights a simulated fire during a fire drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 12. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180610-N-TJ319-0199

BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2018) A CV-22 Osprey, attached to the 352nd Air Force Special Operations Command, prepares to depart the flight deck of the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 10. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

180615-N-XT273-453 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Master Chief Information Systems Technician Demetrius Farrie mans the rails aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while arriving in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week 2018 June 15. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

191113-N-AS200-2113 LISBON, Portugal (Nov. 13, 2019) Royal Navy Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, deputy commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), addresses members of exercise Trident Jupiter 2019, aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in Lisbon, Nov. 13, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

191113-N-AS200-2017 LISBON, Portugal (Nov. 13, 2019) German Navy Capt. Juergen Peter, J6 assistance chief of staff, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO), addresses members receiving awards during exercise Trident Jupiter, aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in Lisbon, Nov. 13, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

180604-N-XT273-1270 180604-N-XT273-1270 BALTIC SEA (June 4, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Force NATO, and Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaite prepare to depart the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) in the Baltic Sea June 4, 2018, during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180613-N-FP878-053

BALTIC SEA (June 13, 2018) Lt. j.g. Erin Grier, from Atlanta, Georgia, stands watch in the helicopter control tower aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 13. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180605-N-XT273-090 BALTIC SEA (June 5, 2018)

The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) approaches the German Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412) for a replenishment-at-sea in the Baltic Sea during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 5. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/ Released)

180613-N-FP878-019

BALTIC SEA (June 13, 2018) Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class James Wolf, from Medford, Oregon, tests a fuel sample aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 13. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

190529-N-WO404-118

LISBON, Portugal (May 29, 2019) Vice Adm. Lisa Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) delivers remarks at a Distinguished Visitor (DV) event, led by STRIKFORNATO, in Lisbon, Portugal, marking the final event of Formidable Shield 2019, May 29, 2019. 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. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jonathan Nelson/Released)

180613-N-FP878-096

BALTIC SEA (June 13, 2018) Sailors conduct engineering drills in the central control station aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 13. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180612-N-FP878-074

BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Sailors fight a simulated fire during a fire drill aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 June 12. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

.180616-N-FP878-012.KIEL, Germany (June 16, 2018) Lt. j.g. Matthew Mastriforte, from Waleska, Georgia, gives a tour of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) to journalist while in Kiel, Germany June 16, 2015. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert will allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released).

180613-N-FP878-056

BALTIC SEA (June 13, 2018) Lt. j.g. Erin Grier, from Atlanta, Georgia, stands watch in the helicopter control tower aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 13. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180613-N-FP878-093

BALTIC SEA (June 13, 2018) Sailors conduct engineering drills in the central control station aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 13. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Theron J. Godbold/Released)

180617-N-XT273-278 KIEL, Germany (June 17, 2018) Audience members cheer for musicians assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band during a performance in Kiel, Germany, during Kiel Week 2018, June 17. U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, headquartered in Naples, oversees joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, to enable enduring relationships and increase vigilance and resilience in Europe and Africa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

191104-N-AS200-0111 GAETA, Italy (Nov. 3, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) addresses multi-national members participating in exercise Trident Jupiter 2019 while embarked on the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LLC 20) in Gaeta, Italy, Nov. 3, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

180611-N-XT273-1190 COPENHAGEN, Denmark (June 11, 2018) Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet and commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, meets with Adm. Torben Mikkelsen, Danish chief of the navy, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018 in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 11. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

180612-N-XT273-243 BALTIC SEA (June 12, 2018) Rear Adm. Guy Robinson, OBE, Royal Navy, deputy commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, signs a guest book aboard the Gabya-class frigate TCG Gediz (F495) June 12, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

210223-N-DO281-1111 GAETA, Italy (Feb. 23, 2021) U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. Marcus Annibale, chief of staff, Naval Striking and Support Forces, NATO (STRIKFORNATO), passes sideboys and is saluted by Capt. David Pollard, commanding officer of the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), as he boards the ship, Feb. 23,2021. Mount Whitney is the U.S. Sixth Fleet and STRIKFORNATO flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Trey Fowler/Released)

180615-N-XT273-541 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Gerardo Preciado raises the Union Jack aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) while arriving in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week 2018 June 15. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)

210607-N-FV745-0049 PUTLOS, Germany (June 8, 2021) – Marine Master Sgt. Jarret Garibaldi, assigned to Expeditionary Exploitation Unit One (EXU-1) at Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, analyzes foreign ordnance at a mobile field shop in Putlos, Germany, while participating in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2021, June 8, 2021. The 50th BALTOPS represents a continuous, steady commitment to reinforcing interoperability in the Alliance and providing collective maritime security in the Baltic Sea. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Daniel James Lanari)

180610-N-TJ319-0247

BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2018) Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Alfred Edwards acts as the air direction controller in the helicopter control tower aboard the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during deck landing qualifications for exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 10. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

191104-N-AS200-0110 GAETA, Italy (Nov. 3, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) addresses multi-national members participating in exercise Trident Jupiter 2019 while embarked on the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LLC 20) in Gaeta, Italy, Nov. 3, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

191111-N-AS200-0958 MEDITERRANEAN SEA (Nov. 11, 2019) Vice Admiral Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) addresses the crew of the Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) over the one main circuit (1MC) during Exercise Trident Jupiter 2019, while transiting the Mediterranean Sea Nov. 11, 2019. Mount Whitney is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, Italy and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis/Released)

180609-N-TJ319-0191

BALTIC SEA (June 9, 2018) The Type 702 Berlin-class replenishment ship FGS Frankfurt A.M. (A1412), the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) and the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) steam behind the Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) during a photo exercise for exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2018, June 9. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region and one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jessica L. Dowell/Released)

180615-N-XT273-1757 KIEL, Germany (June 15, 2018) Sailors parade the colors during a reception aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) June 15, 2018, in Kiel, Germany, for Kiel Week. Mount Whitney, forward-deployed to Gaeta, Italy, operates with a combined crew of U.S. Navy Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Justin Stumberg/Released)