The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) made a scheduled logistics stop to Oslo, Norway, June 1, 2021. The port visit follows the ship’s participation in NATO collective defense exercise Steadfast Defender 2021. The exercise enhanced alliance security by maintaining NATO’s broad range of interoperability and military capabilities to deter potential adversaries and assure allies of NATO’s ability to defend them.
“Team 20 provided incredible support to Joint Forces Command Norfolk and Commander, 2nd Fleet, providing persistent and reliable command, control, and communications, which enabled the successful execution of Steadfast Defender ’21,” said USS Mount Whitney’s Commanding Officer Capt. David Pollard. “The Alliance proved we could secure strategic Sea Lines of Communication, ensure transatlantic security, and reinforce Europe with North American supplies and personnel.”
During the stop, due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the crew of the Mount Whitney were not authorized local liberty but held a Steel Beach Picnic to support crew camaraderie, build morale and to celebrate completion of Steadfast Defender 2021. The event met all COVID-19 risk mitigation requirements established by Mount Whitney and Oslo, Norway. The crew also had the opportunity to participate in a wreath laying ceremony at the Norwegian monument “Orlogsgasten.”
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, forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy operates with a combined crew of Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
