WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The primary purpose of the ship’s August 14 visit is to commemorate the 72nd Anniversary of Operation Dragoon, the allied liberation of Southern France in World War II, the release noted.
"The USS [United States Ship] Mount Whitney is here in Theoule-sur-Mer conducting a host nation engagement and commemoration of past cooperation between France and the United States to enhance the security environment in the US Navy 6th Fleet area of operations," commanding officer Capt. Carlos Sardiello stated.
The Mount Whitney crew will participate in a remembrance ceremony at Rhone American Cemetery and host a reception on board the ship.
The US 6th Fleet, based in Italy, conducts operations with allied, joint and interagency partners to advance US interests in Europe and Africa, according to the US Navy.