US Navy moves Blue Ridge class amphibious command ships USS Mount Whitney to Israel.

According to information published by the US DoD on October 18, 2023, the United States has strategically positioned the Blue Ridge class amphibious command ships USS Mount Whitney in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
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Blue Ridge class amphibious command ships USS Mount Whitney. (Picture source: US DoD)

The USS Mount Whitney, while primarily serving as a command and control vessel, is technically equipped to handle a range of defense scenarios. Armed with 2 Phalanx CIWS, it can effectively counter anti-ship missiles and aircraft threats.

Its 2 25mm Bushmaster cannons are designed for closer engagements, particularly against smaller, fast-moving threats, while the 4 0.5-inch machine guns can be employed against potential boarding attempts or close-in surface threats. The addition of Mark 36 SRBOC chaff rockets further enhances its ability to deflect radar-guided missiles, ensuring a multi-layered defense system.

The repositioning of the USS Mount Whitney to the Eastern Mediterranean is not just symbolic but also tactical. In the event of an attack on Israel by its adversaries, the ship can serve as a central command hub, coordinating U.S. naval responses, providing real-time intelligence, and ensuring seamless communication between various assets in the region.

With its onboard MH-60S Knight Hawk, reconnaissance and rapid response operations can be conducted to gather intelligence and potentially deliver special forces if required.

Technical data

The USS Mount Whitney has a displacement of 18,400 tons when fully loaded. With a length of 189 meters, equivalent to 620.1 feet, the ship has a beam of 33 meters and a draft of 906.78 cm, or approximately 29.8 feet, at full load.

Its propulsion system consists of two boilers and one geared turbine, allowing it to reach speeds of 23 knots, which is about 43 km/h or 26 mph. The vessel can accommodate a total of 930 individuals. This includes 170 officers and enlisted crew members, in addition to 155 civilian sailors from the Military Sealift Command.