GAETA, Itay –
On March 25, a Sailor assigned to USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) tested positive for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), marking the first confirmed case for a Sailor assigned to a Navy ship in U.S. 6th Fleet’s area of responsibility. The individual is currently in self-isolation in accordance with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Guidelines.
Military health professionals conducted a thorough investigation and determined no other personnel were in close contact with this Sailor as the Sailor was in the process of checking in aboard the ship. However, out of an abundance of caution, the ship identified five Sailors who were involved in the check-in process that are now self-isolating at their residences off-ship.
U.S. Navy ships conduct routine, daily cleanliness procedures geared toward health, wellness and the prevention of communicable disease spread. Given this case, USS Mount Whitney is conducting extensive cleaning to mitigate further spread to the crew.
Commander, Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet is committed to taking every measure possible to protect the health of our force. We remain in close coordination with Italian authorities, the U.S. embassy, and public health authorities to ensure the well-being of our personnel and local population.
For questions contact Commander, Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs, at CNE-C6FPAO@eu.navy.mil.