U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) ships USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and USS Porter (DDG 78) have entered the territorial waters of Georgia. The crew members were met at the Batumi port by the Director of the MIA Border Police Coast Guard Department, CAPT Ramaz Papidze, and the Chairman of the Government of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, Tornike Rizhvadze.

The visit of the U.S. Navy ships highlights the important relations between NATO allies and Georgia, as a key partner in the Black Sea region. It also reaffirms the successful cooperation between the United States and Georgia, and aims to strengthen maritime security, ensure the stability of U.S. regional partners, and increase maritime readiness and capabilities.

During the port visit to Georgia, representatives of the naval units of the two countries will hold various meetings to share experiences. Joint naval exercises will be held in the Black Sea, which will help improve the interaction between the crews and develop the MIA Border Police Coast Guard capabilities.

The ships USS Mount Whitney and USS Porter are operating in the U.S. Sixth Fleet (SIXTHFLT) area of operations. The SIXTHFLT, based in Naples, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations in concert with allies and partners to promote security and stability in Europe and Africa.

The USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) serves as the Command Ship of the SIXTHFLT. The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship is equipped with short-range defensive weapons. The ship is visiting Georgia for the fifth time. Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO (STRIKFORNATO) is led by the Commander of the SIXTHFLT, Deputy Commander of the U.S. Navy in Europe and Africa, Vice-Admiral Gene Black.

The USS Porter (DDG 78) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer capable of conducting anti-submarine warfare and ballistic missile defense exercises and operations. This is the ship"s fourth visit to Georgia.