USS LA SALLE TO VISIT SPLIT ON MARCH 23/27

ZAGREB, March 21 (Hina) - The USS La Salle, flagship of the US Navy's Sixth Fleet, will visit the Croatian port of Split on March 23/27. According to a statement from the US Embassy in Zagreb, the visit represents an important milestone in the development of maritime relations between the two countries. This is the first visit of the USS La Salle to Croatia since it gained independence. With a crew of more than 600, the La Salle will be the largest US navy ship and the first in its class to visit Croatia. As the flagship of the Sixth Fleet, the La Salle serves as the afloat headquarters for the fleet's commander, Vice-Admiral Daniel J. Murphy, and his staff. The Sixth Fleet commands the US naval ships, submarines and marine forces, as well as naval air forces in the Mediterranean. Currently, this force includes also a combat aircraft carrier group 'Eisenhower' and an Amphibious Readiness Group. The statement also reads that the aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower had participated in American-Croatian air training in early March whereas US and Croatian ships held their first ever naval exercise in the waters off Split in January. Vice-Admiral Murphy also serves as Commander of NATO Strike and Support Forces in Southeastern Europe. Having recently received extensive upgrades, the 36-year-old La Salle is one of the most advanced command and control ships in the world. The La Salle was the US Navy command ship in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Allied Force. The ship's Commanding Officer is captain Stephen A. Ewel. Five Croatian naval personnel will arrive in Split on board the La Salle after having boarded the ship in Italy. The ship's crew will take part in a number of protocol, community and military engagement events in Split, Zadar and Zagreb, the statement read. The ship will be open for public visits on Saturday and Sunday, March 25-26. (hina) jn rml