The United States Navy recently brought the USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20), a key vessel of its 6th Fleet, into the Libyan ports of Tripoli and Benghazi on April 20 and 21, 2025.
According to the US Navy, this visit is part of a demonstration to support Libya in strengthening its security.
The USS Mount Whitney, a Blue Ridge-class command and control ship, serves as the flagship of the 6th Fleet, which operates out of Naval Support Activity Naples, Italy. Its role in maintaining maritime security and enabling cooperation across the Mediterranean and African regions makes it a vital part of U.S. naval operations.
On this occasion, the ship carried Vice Admiral Jeffrey T. Anderson, the commander of the 6th Fleet; Ambassador Richard Norland, the U.S. special envoy for Libya; and Jeremy Berndt, the chargé d’affaires ad interim of the U.S. Embassy to Libya. Their presence aboard the vessel during the stops in Tripoli and Benghazi emphasized the United States’ dedication to building a stable and unified Libya through both military engagement and diplomatic efforts.
The visit provided an opportunity for U.S. personnel to meet with Libyan military and civilian leaders in both cities. These meetings focused on practical ways to deepen military ties between the two nations and assist Libya in bringing together the forces of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Libyan National Army (LNA), two groups that have long been divided.
Libyan officials also toured the USS Mount Whitney, gaining insight into its advanced capabilities and the technology that supports U.S. naval missions. Vice Admiral Anderson described the visit as a reflection of the United States’ commitment to a peaceful and unified Libya, noting that it allowed for direct engagement with Libyan leaders and defense counterparts to advance shared goals of security, sovereignty, and institutional unity.
A joint statement from the U.S. Embassy Libya and U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs echoed this sentiment, stating that the United States backs Libya’s sovereignty and its efforts to create a single defense institution capable of securing the nation’s borders and protecting its people from external threats.
This port call fits into a larger pattern of U.S. involvement in Libya, led by U.S. Africa Command and the Libya External Office. The broader aim is to encourage interoperability among Libyan forces, improve maritime security in the region, and strengthen cooperation against terrorism. Libya has faced years of political division and instability, and the U.S. sees a unified military structure as essential to addressing these challenges.
Ambassador Norland reinforced this message during the visit, saying that the presence of the USS Mount Whitney in key Libyan ports showed America’s readiness to work alongside Libyan partners across the country to maintain peace and stability.
The USS Mount Whitney’s visit builds on earlier interactions between the U.S. and Libya. In December 2024, Jeremy Berndt announced the signing of a lease for a new U.S. embassy in Tripoli, a step that signaled a renewed diplomatic presence in the country. Then, in late February 2025, U.S. personnel joined forces from both the GNU and LNA for a joint tactical air control exercise near Sirte.
This training event was a hands-on effort to bring Libya’s rival military factions closer together, promoting the idea of a reunited security apparatus. These actions, combined with the USS Mount Whitney’s arrival, show a consistent U.S. approach to supporting Libya through both practical collaboration and symbolic gestures.
Before reaching Libya, the USS Mount Whitney made a stop in Tunisia on April 17, 2025. This visit was part of America’s long-standing partnership with Tunisia, a country that plays an important role in North African security. While there, the Tunisian Navy commissioned two 34-meter Island Class Patrol Boats, which had been provided by the United States.
These vessels are intended to help Tunisia patrol its maritime borders and contribute to regional stability by addressing issues like smuggling and trafficking. The stop in Tunisia, followed by the visit to Libya, illustrates how the U.S. is working to bolster the capabilities of its North African partners while encouraging cooperation among them in a region where instability has often created opportunities for troublemakers.
The USS Mount Whitney itself is more than just a ship—it’s a floating command center that enables the U.S. Navy to coordinate complex operations and maintain communication with allies. Its advanced systems and strategic importance make it an ideal platform for missions like this one, where military and diplomatic objectives overlap. By bringing this vessel to Libya, the United States sent a message about its investment in the country’s future while providing a practical setting for discussions with Libyan leaders.
The visit, though brief, carried weight as a step toward helping Libya overcome its divisions and build a stronger, more cohesive defense structure. As Libya continues its difficult journey toward stability, the involvement of partners like the United States, exemplified by efforts like the USS Mount Whitney’s port calls, will remain a key factor in shaping what comes next for the nation and the surrounding region.
