Two U.S. warships are headed into the Black Sea to offer security assistance if needed during the Winter Olympics set to open Friday at the Black Sea port of Sochi, Russia.
The amphibious command ship Mount Whitney, the 6th Fleet flagship, entered the Black Sea on Tuesday, 6th Fleet said in a news release Wednesday. And the frigate Taylor is set to arrive in the Black Sea Wednesday.
“Both ships will perform routine operations in the Black Sea to establish and enhance cooperation, mutual training and interoperability with regional partner nations and allies,” 6th Fleet said.
Many observers are concerned about unrest in Russia, which has suffered attacks from Islamic militants and separatist groups in recent months. Some groups have made threats against the games. Security will be very tight at the games, Olympic officials say.
http://www.navytimes.com/article/20140205/NEWS/302050012/2-ships-enter-Black-Sea-before-Olympics
