Guided-Missile Destroyer USS Farragut Departs U.S. 5th Fleet

Guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) transited the Suez Canal departing the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility March 8.

Farragut was on station for six months conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom, while serving as part of the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group then the John. C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group. Farragut also served as an escort for special mission ships and conducted several engagements with coalition and partner nations.

“It is incredible to reflect upon the various missions we’ve completed in the time Farragut was assigned to 5th Fleet,” said Cmdr. Glen B. Quast, Farragut commanding officer. “I am extremely proud of all of our Sailors for a job well done this deployment, and I know that our ship has had a positive impact on ensuring the seas remain free and safe for all mariners.”

In December, Farragut was assigned to be the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, a coalition task force concerned with maritime security and counter-piracy in the region. During this time, the Commander of CTF 151, Pakistani Rear Adm. Muhammad Hisham, and 16 members of his international staff were embarked aboard the U.S. destroyer. Farragut also worked closely with other forces including the Royal Australian Navy and other regional naval forces to ensure safety of navigation throughout the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, and Gulf of Aden.

“I am very proud of the multifaceted missions that we accomplished,” said Lt. James Gensheimer, Farragut public affairs officer. “During this deployment we proved that a DDG is capable of performing in an array of missions, and we all take pride in the positive impact we made on this very important region of the world.”

In addition, Farragut gathered information to help predict, identify, and disrupt smuggling and piracy, took part in rescue and assistance operations for two vessels in distress, patrolled for suspicious maritime activity, and made port visits to Bahrain; Jebel Ali, U.A.E.; and Muscat, Oman.

Farragut is now operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.

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Naval Today Staff, March 14, 2013