 The US Sixth Fleet has provided credible combat forces and reliable partnership since 1950. And this year, the command celebrates a significant milestone. Established February 12, 1950, 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the US Sixth Fleet. Each day, Sixth Fleet forces are constantly on alert and ready to respond to threats or crises around the region. Our people and ships are readily postured, capable of responding to any tasking at a moment's notice. There are more than 100 countries and more than 30% of the world's land mass in our area of operation. That includes 67% of the world's coastline stretching from the North Pole to Antarctica. The responsibility is great. Our sailors operate from bases in Rota Spain, Siganela Sicily, Suda Bay Creek, and Gaeta, Italy. The command itself is headquartered in the historic and strategically located Maritime port city of Naples, Italy. In 1807, the United States' first overseas naval installation was established at Port Mahone on the Spanish island of Minorca. From conflicts with the Barbary pirates to the invasion of Normandy, and now, today's missions in and around the Mediterranean Sea, the US Navy's history in this massive area of the world stretches back more than 200 years. Today, Sixth Fleet has six standing task forces, and the Navy's most advanced command and control ship, USS Mount Whitney, along with four forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers. Rotationally deploying carrier strike groups, Marine expeditionary units, support ships, and land-based patrol aircraft are all at the Fleet Commander's disposal. For 70 years, the Sixth Fleet has enhanced transatlantic security through support to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, building partnership capacity, and working with partners to promote trade and freedom, stop unlawful activity at sea, and ensure enduring relationships with allies. Our sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen fill these missions and contribute to a safe and secure maritime environment for more than one billion people across Europe and Africa. Together with our global partners, we're making a difference. US Sixth Fleet enables and assists them to combat problems such as illegal fishing, piracy, drug and human trafficking, and environmental degradation. Working with them to improve maritime safety and security, as many nations in our theater have been severely impacted by illegal activity at sea. Throughout Europe and Africa, we assist our allies and partners in developing the capability to collectively respond to crises and conflict from the sea. Sixth Fleet remains a pre-positioned force ready to respond to any crisis or conflict as it unfolds. Our presence enhances security and stability in the maritime domain. The US Sixth Fleet team brings together a robust organization to handle operations, intelligence, logistics, policy, resources, strategy, future operations, and personnel, which harvests and represents the strength of the nation's diversity. Our maritime skills and proficiencies are honed with our partners and allies by conducting more than 70-plus joint exercises annually, including Sea Breeze in the Black Sea, Baltops in the Baltic Sea, and the Express Series around the West, North and East of Africa. With our partners in Europe and Africa, our forces are meeting the challenges of changing the world and continuing to advance the art and science of maritime operations. The task is daunting. The threats are many, but the rewards are great. This is Commander, US Sixth Fleet, a power for peace for 70 years.