NAPLES, Italy — In a historic moment for the region, a Freedom-variant littoral combat ship, USS Sioux City (LCS 11), deployed to U.S. 6th Fleet’s area of operations, supporting U.S. and NATO ally and partner interests in Europe and Africa, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs said May 5.
The deployment provides an opportunity for Sioux City to gain experience in an area littoral combat ships have never before operated.
“Sioux City’s deployment allows us to integrate the LCS’ unique operational capability into our already diverse fleet,” said Vice Adm. Gene Black, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet. “The agility of littoral combat ships allows them to operate in both near-shore and open-ocean environments, enhancing our ability to provide security and stability across the European theater.”
The ship’s size, speed, and agility allow it to perform maritime security operations, theater security cooperation engagements, and freedom of navigation patrols — keeping critical maritime commerce routes open, deterring conflict and coercion, and providing a comparable ship to strengthen partnerships with other countries.
The ship’s motto is “forging a new frontier,” and according to Cmdr. Scott Whitworth, Sioux City’s commanding officer, that is exactly what the crew plans to do.
“USS Sioux City is a combat ready warship manned by battle-minded Sailors, who are prepared and equipped to execute any mission we are tasked with,” said Whitworth. “This deployment will expand the relevance of these ships, particularly their ability to relieve larger surface combatants in key surface-mission areas.”
An embarked detachment of two MH-60S Seahawk helicopters from the Sea Knights of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22 supports Sioux City’s deployment.
