Capt. Harry Evans assumed command of the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship USS Mount Whitney during a ceremony in Gaeta, Italy, relieving Capt. Colin Price after an 18-month tenure, according to Stars and Stripes. The change-of-command event highlights a decades-long professional relationship that began when Price served as a plebe summer detailer for Evans at the U.S. Naval Academy in 1999.
Decades of Shared Naval History Shape Mount Whitney Leadership Transition
The leadership handoff aboard the 55-year-old command ship brought together two seasoned fighter jet pilots whose careers have intersected repeatedly over the last 25 years. According to Stars and Stripes, Price and Evans previously served together in Japan and at Naval Air Station Fallon in Nevada.
To prepare for the transition, the two officers worked side by side for weeks. Evans completed underway time with Price, navigating the deep-draft, single-propeller vessel into and out of ports to build operational familiarity. Vice Adm. Jeffrey Anderson, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, presided over the ceremony, which drew regional military and diplomatic officials.
Did you know?
USS Mount Whitney is the only ship in the U.S. Navy capable of simultaneously hosting and operating dual secure command centers for both U.S. and NATO forces without compromising sensitive information, according to Vice Adm. Jeffrey Anderson.
Operational Legacy and Future Outlook for the 6th Fleet Flagship
During his tenure starting in January 2025, Price logged roughly 35,000 nautical miles, visiting 17 ports across 15 countries, according to Stars and Stripes. His deployment highlights included historic visits to the Libyan cities of Tripoli and Benghazi in April 2025—marking the first Navy visits there in 56 years—alongside port calls in Cape Verde, Mauritania, and Tunisia.
Evans takes charge of a vessel with an uncertain long-term timeline. While the Navy’s 30-year shipbuilding plan released in May slated the aging ship for dismantling in 2031, Anderson emphasized that the platform remains vital to joint operations. Evans, a naval flight officer designated in 2005 with over 4,000 flight hours and recent experience as executive officer on the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, told the crew that the ship’s core mission remains unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Capt. Harry Evans relieve aboard the USS Mount Whitney?
Capt. Harry Evans relieved Capt. Colin Price as commanding officer of the USS Mount Whitney during a ceremony in Gaeta, Italy, according to Stars and Stripes.
What is the primary role of the USS Mount Whitney?
The 55-year-old vessel serves as the flagship for the U.S. 6th Fleet, providing dual secure command and control capabilities for both U.S. and NATO forces.
What are the future plans for the USS Mount Whitney?
While the Navy’s May shipbuilding plan scheduled the ship for dismantling in 2031, leadership notes that a definitive decommissioning timeline remains flexible given its unique operational value.
What is Capt. Colin Price’s next assignment?
Price will transition to a new assignment with U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany, according to Stars and Stripes.
Stay Updated on Naval Operations
Subscribe to our newsletter for ongoing coverage of military fleet movements, defense policy updates, and leadership changes across global commands.
Worth a look