Thomas Takes Command of Sixth Fleet Flagship

Photo By Chief Petty Officer Gary Keen | Capt. Owen P. Honors is piped aboard USS Mount Whitney for a change of command ceremony, April 17. Capt. Karl O. Thomas relieved Honors, becoming the fourth commanding officer of Mount Whitney since it became the U.S. Sixth Fleet flagship in February 2005.  

GAETA, ITALY

04.17.2009

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

GAETA, Italy - Capt. Karl O. Thomas relieved Capt. Owen P. Honors as commanding officer of the U.S. Sixth Fleet flagship, USS Mount Whitney, during a ceremony, April 17.

Thomas will be the fourth commanding officer of Mount Whitney since it became the U.S. Sixth Fleet flagship after taking over for USS La Salle.

During his remarks, Thomas commended the crew's professionalism and said he felt fortunate to be a part of such a unique team.

"The teamwork here is impressive," said Thomas. "Just look around you. [Mount Whitney] is certainly one of the most talented, professional and fortunate crews in the U.S. Navy."

Honors, who served as Mount Whitney's commanding officer since January 2008, thanked the crew for their significant accomplishments during his tenure. He will go on to serve as commanding officer of USS Enterprise.

"I'm so proud of this crew and everything we've done," said Honors. "They are all fantastic Sailors - dedicated professionals - and always accomplish the mission."

Thomas, who last served as executive officer for aircraft carrier USS George Washington, said he looked forward to continuing the work Honors accomplished and supporting Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet.

"I hope I can fill Owen's shoes and continue the leadership he provided to the crew," said Thomas.

Since Mount Whitney replaced La Salle, the flagship has participated in operations such as Joint Task Force Lebanon and humanitarian relief missions in the Republic of Georgia.

The ship has a hybrid crew of more than 300 Sailors and Military Sealift Command civilian mariners and is homeported in Gaeta, Italy. Mount Whitney also serves as command and control ship for Commander, Joint Command Lisbon and Commander, Striking Force NATO.

• Date Taken: 04.17.2009
• Date Posted: 04.17.2009 10:42
• Story ID: 32502
• Location: GAETA, IT