The first of two American warships heading into the Black Sea in advance of the Olympic Games set sail Friday from Italy, U.S. officials said. The USS Mount Whitney got underway from Gaeta, Italy, and the Navy frigate USS Taylor is expected to leave from Naples, Italy, Saturday. Russian and U.S. defense officials, including Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, have discussed the Olympic security threat, and the United States has offered to help in any way needed. No specific assistance has been requested. The Pentagon has said that the ships are deploying to the Black Sea as part of normal military planning and could perform any required missions, including communications or evacuations. -- SPA 16:02 LOCAL TIME 13:02 GMT تغريد