Last modified Wed., August 23, 2006 - 04:32 PM
Originally created Thursday, August 24, 2006

St. Augustine Adopts USS Farragut

By MCSN Bonnie Williams, Staff

St. Augustine Navy League Council President Bill Dudley presents adoption papers to USS Farragut Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Deidra McLay during an adoption ceremony held aboard the ship on Friday. Seated is on the left is St. Augustine Mayor George Gardner. The Navy League has adopted the ship and its Sailor of the Quarter program. Photo by MCSN Bonnie Williams

The St. Augustine Navy League Council 469 adopted USS Farragut (DDG 99) in a ceremony on the ship on Friday.

The Mayor of St. Augustine, George Gardner, attended the ceremony as well as the State Representative for District 20, William (Bill) Proctor. Other distinguished guests included the Council President of the Navy League of St. Augustine, William (Bill) Dudley, DESRON 14 Commodore Capt. David C. Robertson, and members of the Navy League from all over the country.

The ceremony presented the Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Deidra McLay, with official adoption papers and a plaque. It also honored the Sailor of the Quarter, GSM1 Christopher Washington, with a plaque, a hotel stay in St. Augustine, tickets to St. Augustine's area attractions, and cash spending money.

''It's kind of an incentive for Sailors to be the best they can be to receive this outstanding recognition and the awards,'' said Bill Dudley, ''When we adopt a ship we honor every Sailor of the Quarter and every Sailor of the Year. We hope to be able to continue this throughout the commissioned life of this great ship.''

McLay was very appreciative and looking forward to the ongoing relationship with the League. ''A ship is just steel without its crew. The Navy League is adopting the people who put their time and energy into serving on this ship. That promise to take care of our crew is such an honor to receive,'' she said.

Mayor Gardner declared Aug. 18 as USS Farragut Day in St. Augustine.

''Farragut symbolizes the amazing advancement of our great Navy. I hope the citizens of St. Augustine will appreciate the freedom we enjoy on this day because of ships like Farragut,'' he said.

The Navy League has a long tradition of adopting ships and shore commands in all the sea services. It began in 1902 and since has devoted time, money and energy to support and improve the well being of American service personnel and their families.

The councils also extend beyond just military support. They support America's young people through successful youth programs, including the providing numerous local and national scholarships.

''We are so proud to adopt the Farragut,'' said St. Augustine Navy League Council member John Santomenno. ''Every man and woman should be involved in supporting the troops here and overseas. We can never lose respect for those that fight so hard to protect our hard-earned freedoms. That's why we're here today.''