US Navy command ship continues Black Sea deployment after departing Romania

U.S. Navy’s 6th Fleet command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) took part in a passing exercise (PASSEX) with a ship from the Romanian Navy in the Black Sea as it departed Constanta, Romania, October 20.

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

The command ship is currently operating in the Black Sea, working with regional navies to help develop and improve maritime forces.

“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,” said Capt. Carlos A. Sardiello, commanding officer, USS Mount Whitney.

The U.S. Navy says the forward-deployed Mount Whitney operates in the Black Sea in accordance with the Montreux Convention and International Law.

U.S. naval operations in the Black Sea have caused tension between the U.S. and Russia. The Russian Ministry of Defence even threatened with “retaliatory measures” when the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Porter was visiting Bulgaria in June this year.