Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS120911-05
9/11/2012

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class A.J. Jones, USS Farragut Public Affairs

LA ROCHELLE, France (NNS) — The guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) departed La Rochelle, France, following a four-day visit, Sept. 10.

During the visit, Farragut hosted a luncheon and tours for senior civilian and military officials.

“It was my pleasure to bring Farragut to La Rochelle for the first visit by a U.S. warship in more than a decade,” said Cmdr. Glen B. Quast, commanding officer of Farragut. “The city’s support for our Sailors was extraordinary, and it is clear that both nations cherish our unique alliance and share a common vision for the future security and stability of Europe.”

Farragut’s sports teams participated in a softball and soccer game against local French teams, while other Sailors conducted community service projects at the Centre Lannelongue in St. Trojan, a technical high school located on Ile d’Oleron.

Sailors were also provided a number of tour options offered by the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation department.

“I loved France,” said Information Systems Technician Seaman Levi Hutson. “I got to go on a few tours and it was interesting to learn about France’s history and culture.”

Farragut is on a scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations.