USS Farragut Sailors Strengthen Bonds in Latvia

The guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) continued to strengthen relationships with Baltic nations as it began a four-day port visit in Riga, Latvia, Aug. 4.

During the port visit, Sailors played a game of basketball against members of the Latvian National Armed Forces and participated in two community service projects.

“The city of Riga offered incredible interactions for our Sailors during the community service projects, and the basketball game was a highlight as well,” said U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Christopher J. Sill, Defense, Naval and Marine Attach  for the U.S. Embassy in Riga. “Latvia and the United States have a long standing partnership, and I know that Farragut’s visit helped to strengthen this relationship.”

The community service projects provided Sailors the opportunity to build and install new birdhouses for the Love Island Ecological Site and visit the Stella Maris Riga City Social Care Centre, a care facility for the elderly run by the government.

“It was a great opportunity to contribute to the community, meet the people and see what the culture is like,” said Chief Electronics Technician Jason Howes. “It really gave us a good feeling to come help out and show our support.”

Farragut concluded its visit with a reception aboard the ship.

“We would like to thank the Sailors of the Farragut for their visit,” said Lt. Col. Sill. “Their visit has shown a lot of support toward a close NATO ally, and has gone a long way toward making that relationship stronger.”

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 responsibility.

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Naval Today Staff, August 10, 2012; Image: US Navy