Vice Adm. Jeffrey Anderson has officially taken command of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, replacing Vice Adm. Thomas E. Ishee in a ceremony held aboard the USS Mount Whitney in Naples, Italy, on September 20.
Vice Adm. Anderson also assumes command of Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO).
Adm. Stuart Munsch, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Allied Joint Forces Command Naples, presided over the ceremony, praising Vice Adm. Ishee’s leadership.
“You led thousands of Sailors from 15 different countries, hundreds of ships, submarines, and aircraft effectively, and advanced our warfighting advantage at every opportunity,” Munsch said, highlighting Ishee’s work in strengthening U.S. alliances and improving operational readiness.
During his tenure, Vice Adm. Ishee oversaw numerous naval and joint operations across Europe and Africa, playing a pivotal role in deploying forces to the Black Sea and supporting allies through crises, such as relief efforts for Turkish earthquake victims in 2023.
He also established Joint Task Force 406 (JTF 406), which enhances maritime crisis response and contingency operations for U.S. European Command.
“The U.S. Sixth Fleet proudly stands as an independent and adept force, capable of projecting power across the maritime domain,” Ishee remarked, expressing confidence in the fleet’s continued effectiveness.
Vice Adm. Anderson, previously Director of Operations at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, expressed his gratitude to the team he will lead and outlined his vision for the fleet.
“All eyes are on U.S. Sixth Fleet, and the challenges facing the region will test us on a daily basis,” he said. “We will continue to rely on our alliances and partnerships to remain the most combat credible and capable maritime force in theater.”
The U.S. Sixth Fleet, based in Naples, conducts a range of joint and naval operations, working closely with NATO allies to enhance security and stability in Europe and Africa.
