Lithuanian President Visits Mount Whitney

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Sylvia Nealy, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/ Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

USS MOUNT WHITNEY, At Sea (NNS) -- The President of Lithuania and the U.S. ambassador to Lithuania arrived aboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) for a short visit Sep. 21.

President Dalia Grybauskaite and Ambassador Anne E. Derse were greeted by Capt. Jeffrey Ruth, Mount Whitney's commanding officer.

"It truly was an honor and a privilege to host [Grybauskaite] aboard Mount Whitney," said Ruth. "She not only showed a genuine interest in the ship and its mission, but was especially interested in meeting the crew and talking about what they do on a daily basis."

A guided tour was arranged for the guests in order for them to have a general understanding of Mount Whitney's mission. The tour included the joint operation center, network operation center and the bridge.

During the tour, Ruth escorted Grybauskaite and Derse to the ship's wardroom to mingle and discussed building partnership and lasting friendship between Lithuania and the United States.

After the tour, Ruth presented a plaque to Grybauskaite in remembrance of the visit.

"I believe this short visit will go a long way toward helping build the partnerships needed to guarantee maritime security in the Baltic region," said Ruth.

Mount Whitney is currently operating in the Baltic region to strengthen the partnership and friendships between the U.S. and Baltic nations. Mount Whitney, the flagship for 6th Fleet, is homeported in Gaeta, Italy, and operates with a hybrid crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners.