The U.S. Naval Ship Carson City arrived in Bar for its first official visit to Montenegro on Sunday, July 29. USNS Carson City is a Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel currently serving with Military Sealift Command.
“This is the first time we’ve made a port call on Montenegro, so I’m sure this visit will be one that the crew will never forget,” said Captain Jonathan S. Keffer, USNS Carson City Master. “The port visit to Bar, Montenegro, will allow us to foster relationships and expand our options for any possible trans-shipment of cargo and will help establish Bar as a harbor of refuge for heavy weather in the region; this class of ship is new to the region, and particularly during the Fall and Winter months, may be diverted on a voyage due to high winds and heavy seas. These benefits can only be achieved through close cooperation with our allies with port visits. This is an amazing opportunity for us to build lasting bonds and experience a beautiful country with lots of rich culture and history.”
During the visit, Captain Keffer will host Mayor of Bar Zoran Srzentic and representatives of the Montenegrin Navy aboard the USNS Carson City. Building ties among NATO allies, the crew will interface with counterparts from the Montenegrin Navy and the Greek Navy during this visit to Bar.
The USNS Carson City is a versatile, non-combatant vessel designed to operate in shallow-draft ports and waterways. The USNS Carson City supports a variety of missions, including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, logistics support, and overseas contingency operations.
The USNS Carson City provides fast intra-theater transportation of troops, military vehicles, and equipment. The vessel is capable of transporting 600 short tons 1,200 nautical miles at an average speed of 35 knots. The USNS Carson City also includes a flight deck to support day and night aircraft launch and recovery operations.
