The USS Mount Whitney, flagship of the United States’ Navy’s Sixth Fleet, will visit Cyprus, starting on Friday, the American embassy in Nicosia said.

The ship will be in Limassol port while the US Navy and the Cyprus’ ministry of defence and civil defence authorities build on their enduring partnership and prepare for a search and rescue drill post visit.

Continuing the Navy’s tradition of community service, sailors from the USS Mount Whitney will help Theotokos Foundation – Children with Special Needs and Saint Loukas Parents Association for Adults with Special Needs in Limassol with painting and other maintenance work while in port.

Rear Admiral Thomas Reck and Vice Admiral James Foggo are scheduled to meet several city and government officials to coincide with the ship’s visit.

To celebrate the strong relationship between the military forces of the United States and the Republic of Cyprus Vice Admiral Foggo and the US Ambassador to the Republic of Cyprus Kathleen Doherty will host guests for a reception on board.

Mount Whitney is commanded by Captain Carlos Sardiello.