Large landing ship of the US Navy entered the Black sea
Moscow. January 6. INTERFAX.RU American landing ship dock “Fort McHenry” (USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43)) on Sunday at 21:10 GMT, after passing the Bosphorus, entered the Black sea, reported “Interfax” informed sources. With the passage of the Strait in accordance with the applicable rules, he was accompanied by Turkish coast guard boat.
Earlier on Sunday the command of the 6th operational fleet of the U.S. Navy reported that the landing ship “Fort McHenry” sent to the Black sea.
“Transit “Fort McHenry” in the Black sea reaffirms our collective resolve to ensure the security of the Black sea and strengthens our strong relationship with our NATO allies and partners in the region, — said the commander of 6th operational fleet of the U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Lisa Franchetti. Our routine operations in the Black sea also demonstrate the inherent flexibility and capabilities of forces of the 6th fleet of the USA”.
The ship, on Board of which is placed about 500 U.S. Marines, has dock the camera for five vehicles hovercrafts, designed for landing Marines and combat equipment.
Its displacement is 16.1 thousand tons, length — 190 meters. The ship is equipped with anti-aircraft artillery and missile weapons.
“Fort McHenry” is part of the percussion amphibious assault group, the U.S. Navy, and other ships which are currently in the Eastern Mediterranean, including the flagship aircraft carrier groups, amphibious assault ship “Kearsarge” (USS “Kearsarge” (LHD 3)) and the amphibious transport dock Arlington (USS Arlington (LPD 24)).
The group entered the Mediterranean sea on 31 December last year.