The USS Mount Whitney, flagship of the U.S. 6th Fleet, arrived at Porto Romano in Durrës, Albania on September 9, 2025. The port visit underscores the ongoing partnership between the United States and Albania within NATO.
This visit comes after U.S. Navy Admiral Stuart Munsch, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa and Joint Force Command Naples, met with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to discuss bilateral security cooperation and NATO commitments.
While docked in Durrës, the USS Mount Whitney will host a reception attended by several high-ranking Albanian officials: President Bajram Begaj; Speaker of Parliament Elisa Spiropali; Minister of Defense Pirro Vengu; Minister of Foreign Affairs Igli Hasani; and Chief of Defense Lt. Gen. Arben Kingji.
“Albania continues to be a vital partner in NATO operations, and our visit to Porto Romano underscores the strength of that alliance,” said U.S. Navy Capt. Colin Price, commanding officer of USS Mount Whitney. “Team 20 is honored to be here and to continue building lasting connections with our Albanian Allies.”
The ship’s arrival marks the first time a U.S. Navy warship has entered Porto Romano, signaling progress in Albania’s efforts to modernize its military capabilities.
“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,” said U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn. “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.”
As part of its mission as flagship for the U.S. 6th Fleet, Mount Whitney works alongside naval forces to deter threats, conduct operations for homeland defense, and support sovereignty among European and African partners.
The vessel is forward deployed from Gaeta, Italy with both U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners serving aboard as it operates throughout Europe and Africa for American security interests.
U.S. 6th Fleet headquarters is located in Naples, Italy where it coordinates joint operations—often together with allied nations—to support security objectives across Europe and Africa while ensuring freedom of navigation in Mediterranean waters.