U.S. 6th Fleet Celebrates 70th Anniversary

U.S. 6th Fleet (C6F) celebrated its 70th anniversary at sea aboard the Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) and ashore at their headquarters in Naples, Italy, Feb. 12.

C6F, established February 12, 1950, provides credible combat forces to Europe and Africa, promoting regional security and stability to ensure safety for the world’s oceans and sea lanes. The C6F area of operation covers more than 100 countries and 67 percent of the world’s coastline, stretching from the North Pole to Antarctica.

“The men and women of Sixth Fleet, our Sailors, Marines, Coastguardsmen, civilians, and their families, comprise the finest fighting force in support of our national defense strategy,” said Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander, C6F. “For 70 years we’ve demonstrated the inherent flexibility and power Naval Forces offer 24/7/365, and we are providing options and decision space to our national leaders.”

From conflicts with the Barbary pirates, to the invasion of Normandy, and now to today’s missions in and around the Mediterranean Sea, the U.S. Navy’s history in this massive area of the world stretches back more than 200 years.

Today, Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella, “Hub of the Med” serves as an essential component in the mission support of CTF-67 and C6F, as our strategic location enables U.S, allied, and partner nation forces to deploy and respond as required to ensure security and stability in Europe, Africa and Central Command. Whether it’s providing the support on the runway or hosting a ship at the NATO pier in Augusta, Sigonella Sailors, Service members, and civilians work together as a team to support the C6F mission on a daily basis.

“NAS Sigonella’s ideal geographic location and unique capabilities enable us to provide crucial support to forward-deployed operating forces across the entire 6th Fleet area of responsibility,” said Capt. Kevin Pickard, NAS Sigonella Commanding Officer. “For the past sixty years, as “the Hub of the Med,” NAS Sigonella has consistently partnered with US and Allied deployed forces and tenant commands to enable 6th Fleet’s forward presence and global responsiveness.”

One of NAS Sigonella’s largest tenant commands, Commander, Task Force 67 (CTF-67), plans, manages, and coordinates tactical and logistical support for deployed Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA) forces in support of airborne AntiSubmarine Warfare, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and Theater Security Cooperation in the European and African theaters.

Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Detachment Sigonella, Mobile Operations Control Center (MOCC) Mediterranean falls under the cognizance of CTF-67, and their Sailors deliver flight-line aircraft repair capability day in and day out. For 70 years, C6F has enhanced transatlantic security through support to NATO, building partnership capacity and working with partners to promote trade and freedom, stop unlawful activity at sea, and ensure enduring relationships with allies.

“To all who have served in Sixth Fleet in the past, to all who are serving today, and to our families and friends that make it all possible, Happy Birthday!” said Franchetti. “I am confident that those standing in our shoes in 2070 will look back with pride on all we have accomplished together.”

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.