Russia 'locks' the US 6th Fleet that just entered the Black Sea

Black Sea Fleet surveillance assets are closely monitoring the movements of the US 6th Fleet flagship - the command and staff ship Mount Whitney, which has just entered the Black Sea.

The US Command did not announce the target of the move, but according to information, the US crew will practice with NATO allies on coordinating security in the Black Sea region.

"At the moment, the tracking of Mount Whitney is carried out by fixed ground stations, the ship is in the western part of the Black Sea at a considerable distance, there is no need for a tracking ship for the time being. If the US flagship moves towards the Russian coast, a ship of the Black Sea Fleet will be dispatched to accompany it, and air power will be used," a Sputnik source in the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The Mount Whitney itself is not a significant vessel – it only carries anti-aircraft weapons. However, it is equipped with control and surveillance systems. It last visited the Black Sea in September 2008, delivering aid to Georgia after its conflict with Russia in August.

According to Sputnik