John's Naval, Marine and other Service news - USS Mount Whitney Arrives in Lisbon for Port Visit

The U.S. 6th Fleet flag ship, USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), arrived in Lisbon for a regularly scheduled port visit, May 26.

While in Lisbon, Mount Whitney (LCC 20) hosted a Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO event and participated in projects to help the local community.

Mount Whitney’s community engagement project coordinators, Cryptologic Technician Technical 1st Class Jacob Wallace, Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class Michael Fallings and Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Cory Carlson planned two projects during the visit.

“Getting the opportunity to do community relations projects in Portugal is very important,” said Wallace. “The locals will see Americans volunteer their time to help the local community.”

The projects involved minor repairs and gardening at two facilities that assist youth in need.

“By helping the community, Mount Whitney will be leaving a lasting image in their minds,” said Wallace.

The highlight of Mount Whitney’s visit to Lisbon was hosting a celebration aboard the ship in honor of the Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO 60th Anniversary.

Mount Whitney, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and MSC civil service mariners. The civil service mariners perform navigation; deck engineering and supply service operations while military personnel aboard support communications, weapons systems and security.

Press Release, May 30, 2013; Image: US Navy