United States Sixth Fleet

Template:TOC-right Since the end of the Second World War, United States Sixth Fleet has been the major United States Navy formation in the Mediterranean Sea. Its reporting structure has been somewhat complex. Although it has always been subordinate to the United States European Command (EUCOM), it also has had a role as the major NATO maritime force, often joined with, or in operation control, of non-U.S. naval resources. At the present time, Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet, is also Deputy Commander, U.S. Naval Forces, Europe.

The Sixth Fleet is composed of one or more aircraft carrier strike groups, plus shore-based maritime patrol aircraft (e.g., P-3 Orion). Its flagship is the USS Mount Whitney, homeported in Gaeta, Italy, but operating in the Mediterranean.

Chain of Command

VADM Bruce W. Clingan commands the 6th Fleet, Allied Joint Command Lisbon, and Striking and Support Forces NATO. He is also Joint Forces Maritime Component Commander of EUCOM.

Deputy Fleet Commander is RADM Charles J. "Joe" Leidig, Jr., who is also Director, Naval Forces Europe, Operations and Intelligence; Commander Submarines, Allied Naval Forces South; Commander, Submarine Group 8