USS Mount Whitney Visits Gdańsk Amid BALTOPS 25 Interoperability Operations
The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), flagship of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, has entered the Port of Gdańsk as part of the NATO-led exercise BALTOPS 25. The port call underscores the ongoing maritime collaboration between U.S. Naval Forces and the Polish Navy and highlights Poland’s strategic role in NATO’s Baltic presence.
In brief
USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20), the flagship of the United States 6th Fleet, called at Gdańsk as part of the BALTOPS 25 exercise. Landing qualifications of a Polish Mi-17 helicopter of the Special Forces were conducted on board USS Mount Whitney while sailing on the Baltic. The ship's commanding officer, Captain (Navy) Colin Price, described the operation as proof of the Polish aircrew's professionalism and a boost to interoperability. The BALTOPS exercise has been held regularly since 1972.
During operations at sea, a Polish Special Operations Squadron completed a successful Deck Landing Qualification (DLQ) aboard Mount Whitney involving a Mi-17 helicopter. The training consisted of multiple takeoffs and landings while the ship was underway in the Baltic Sea—an essential milestone to ensure Polish aircrews are certified to operate from U.S. Navy vessels.
- This Polish deck landing qualification aboard Mount Whitney is a testament to the outstanding teamwork and professionalism of both the Polish aircrew and our own Team 20, said Capt. Colin Price, commanding officer of USS Mount Whitney. - Exercises like this build trust, enhance interoperability, and strengthen our ability to operate seamlessly together in ensuring security in the Baltic Sea region.
The visit to Gdańsk builds on a pattern of previous calls to Polish ports by the flagship. In 2016, Mount Whitney moored in Gdynia, where the ship’s crew took part in bilateral training, local engagements, and coordination with Polish naval units, reinforcing regional ties and operational coordination.
USS Mount Whitney serves as a highly capable afloat command platform, equipped with extensive C4I systems that enable real-time coordination of multinational maritime operations. The vessel frequently hosts command elements for U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and NATO’s Naval Striking and Support Forces (STRIKFORNATO).
BALTOPS, established in 1972, remains NATO’s premier annual Baltic Sea maritime exercise. BALTOPS 25 brings together 20 NATO Allies and partner nations for high-end training in amphibious warfare, air defense, mine countermeasures, submarine hunting, explosive ordnance disposal, and integration of unmanned maritime systems.
The presence of Mount Whitney in Gdańsk exemplifies the forward-deployed commitment of the United States to collective defense, while reinforcing Poland’s role as a trusted and capable partner in regional maritime security.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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