Rijeka’s shipyard "Viktor Lenac" has received a 6.5 million Euro contract to overhaul and provide maintenance services to US Navy ship "USS Mount Whitney."

"USS Mount Whitney" is the flagship of the Sixth Fleet, the operational unit and staff of United States Naval Forces Europe and it operates in the Mediterranean Sea.

Croatian Minister of Defence Davor Bozinovic concluded the agreement with current US Naval Forces Europe and Africa Commander, Samuel J. Locklear. Locklear also serves as NATO's Commander, Allied Joint Force Command Naples.

"I am certain that Croatian shipbuilding industry and Croatian shipbuilders – who have a long tradition and knowledge – will use this opportunity. I see this contract worth 6.5 million Euros as a start of a fruitful and successful cooperation between Croatia and its shipyards on one hand and the United States and its armed forces on the other," Bozinovic said.

In his speech Admiral Locklear - for whom this was the first official visit to Croatia - emphasised the country's contribution to NATO’s goals. He thanked all members of the Croatian armed forces who had participated in numerous peace missions and operations throughout the world and their families for their support.

Locklear said that Rijeka’s shipyard was chosen in a public tender amongst several offers from Europe.

"USS Mount Whitney" is 195 metres long, 33 metres wide and has a crew of some 300 sailors and civilians.