The movement of the Mount Whitney is very interesting–possibly the most interesting part. Wretchard or Bill Bradley–can we post some more information for the masses on the power of the Whitney’s battlespace management technologies, and its ability to enhance U.S. military command and control over the eastern Black Sea region? Why send the Whitney, compared with other ships, unless ship availability made it the only likely choice.

Another important question–how many times have 6th Fleet assets moved in these numbers into the Black Sea since 1991, or 2001? The Russians have always been very hesitant about allowing outsiders in…and that’s a fear that goes back centuries.