The U.S. 6th Fleet flagship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) arrived in Porto Romano, Durrës, Albania, on 9 September for a scheduled port visit that U.S. officials described as underscoring Albania’s role as a key NATO Ally, the U.S. Navy stated.
The visit followed talks in Albania between Adm. Stuart Munsch, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and Joint Force Command Naples, and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama.
According to the U.S. 6th Fleet, the discussions focused on strengthening bilateral security cooperation and NATO commitments.
While in port, Mount Whitney hosted a reception for Albanian leaders, including President Bajram Begaj, Speaker of Parliament Elisa Spiropali, Defence Minister Pirro Vengu, Foreign Minister Igli Hasani, and Chief of Defence Lt. Gen. Arben Kingji.
Capt. Colin Price, commanding officer of USS Mount Whitney, said in the release: “Albania continues to be a vital partner in NATO operations, and our visit to Porto Romano underscores the strength of that alliance. Team 20 is honored to be here and to continue building lasting connections with our Albanian Allies.”
The Navy noted that Mount Whitney is the first U.S. warship to visit Porto Romano, which Albania is developing into a naval base with deep-water cargo port facilities.
At the reception, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn said: “The United States fully applauds and encourages Albania’s development of a naval base with deep-water cargo port capabilities right here at Porto Romano. Albania’s investment in fortifying Porto Romano will demonstrate to the region – and to all of Europe – Albania’s ability to be a true leader in the NATO Alliance.”
Forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy, Mount Whitney operates with a combined crew of U.S. sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners. As U.S. 6th Fleet’s flagship, it supports naval combatants in deterring regional adversaries, defending Allied sovereignty, and maintaining security across Europe and Africa.
