Farragut Holds a Morale Booster On Board

Farragut crew members and Commander Destroyer Squadron 40 departed Mayport, Fla. April 7 for a regularly scheduled deployment to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of responsibility.

After hitting various ports throughout South America, Central America, and the Caribbean for Theater Support Cooperation, Farragut's leadership gave the more than 250 Sailors and Coast Guard a day to enjoy time with their shipmates in the sun, eating barbecued food, and listening to the DJ scratch and scribble music on the flight deck. The Officers on board Farragut said that the steel-beach picnic was held as a morale booster.

"This was just a chance for everyone on board to take a break," said Auxillary Officer Ensign Timothy Bell. "Every one deserves a break after all the hard work we have all contributed to make this deployment success."

"This is for all the Sailors to have the opportunity to kick back and enjoy recreation and get some sun while fishing, eating, and enjoying the music," said Farragut's Executive Officer Lt. Cmdr. Marc Boran.

"This was all about 'Espri Decorps'," added Supply Officer Lt. Cmdr. Richard Gustafson. The wardroom and supply department are leading the way to allow the several departments on board Farragut to have a stress free environment to enjoy. "I definitely needed this time off," said Culinary Special 3rd Class Nikita Thompson.

Those wanting to take part in the fish call, from the flight deck of Farragut brought out there fishing gear kicked back and relaxed as they cast there fishing lines over the side.

"I love to fish, and to have the opportunity during a work day to sit back and relax while doing something I love definitely made my day," said Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Henry Sawyer.

Following fish call, the Sailors aboard Farragut lined up for hamburgers, hot dogs, ribs and various amount of side dishes for the steel beach picnic.

"The ribs were outstanding," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Kareem Benavides.

"The food was excellent and the service was very good, you did not have to touch anything," said Operations Specialist Seaman (SW) Ronald Glenn.

The steel-beach picnic was held during a Theater Support Cooperation (TSC) deployment. TSC engagements ensure that partners in the region have the opportunity to foster military-to-military contact with regional maritime forces.

TSC is an ongoing effort to improve theater security cooperation and interoperability between partner nations in the region and is a primary mission for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO), which maintains operational control of ships deploying to the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility. It is also a part of the POA 08 mission designed to enhance multinational interoperability and regional stability throughout the SOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).