USS Farragut (DDG 99) Sailors, who are in New York in support of 2016 Fleet Week New York (FWNY), gathered at the Woodland Cemetery for a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Adm. David Farragut, May 28.

Farragut, an accomplished naval officer who died on August 14, 1870 at the age of 69 in Portsmouth, N.H., received great acclaim for his service to the Union during the American Civil War. He is best known for his victory at the Battle of Mobile Bay in August of 1864, during which he famously proclaiming, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!" His funeral procession included 10,000 Soldiers and Sailors, and was headed by President Ulysses S. Grant.

Saturday's ceremony took place near Farragut's final resting place in the cemetery with the granite and marble monument as the backdrop. Opening the ceremony was president and chief executive officer of Woodland Cemetery, Mitch Rose.

"I can't think of a better place to pay tribute to our Adm. Farragut and our many other fallen heroes," he said, "To honor those who have worked so hard to ensure our freedoms and defend our country."

Among those in attendance were Farragut's Commanding Officer Cmdr. Megan A. Thomas, Executive Officer Cdr. Casey Baker, and Command Master Chief Martin Roberts.

"Being here gives us an opportunity to honor the memory of Adm. Farragut," said Thomas. "... and those who have served and gave the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the freedoms we enjoy in our daily lives."

Thomas added that she was especially thankful to be able to pay respects to her ship's namesake.

"Farragut was a man with unsurpassed knowledge of the seas and uncompromisable dedication, which has provided us the foundation and the freedoms this country has today," she said.

Farragut entered the Navy at age 9, and just two years later, served in the War of 1812. By the time he was 12, he had risen to the rank of prize master, the officer in charge of captured ships. He later became the Navy's first rear admiral, vice admiral and admiral.

Following the wreath-laying, Sailors were given the opportunity to place American flags on the graves of veterans buried in the cemetery. More than 6,000 veterans have been laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, these also include the gravesites of 11 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.

"Flagging the graves provides us with a simple way to recognize and thank those who have gone before us," said Rose. "... and pay respect to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

FWNY, now in its 28th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.

For up-to-date information on all FWNY events, visit the official FWNY website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com, "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, or "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. FWNY photos can be viewed on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/fwnypao/ and Instagram at www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc/. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Mid Atlantic, visit www.navy.mil/.