On Aug. 10, USS Spruance (DDG 111) had the pleasure of hosting several distinguished guests for a tour who are more accustomed to the baseball diamond than an Arleigh Burke guided-missile destroyer.

Several players from Major League Baseball's San Diego Padres--Wil Myers, Josh Johnson, Austin Hedges, and Brandon Maurer--spent their morning onboard Spruance meeting Sailors and learning about the surface navy.

Armed with baseballs, hats, and pennants, Spruance Sailors awaited the arrival of the San Diego Padres, the Pad Squad, and the Padres' beloved Friar mascot. The visit marked an opportunity for Sailors to demonstrate the pride in uniform and the warfighting capabilities of Spruance.

Spruance Commanding Officer Cmdr. Manny Hernandez described the visit as an opportunity for Sailors to take a well deserved pause from the demands of serving at sea.

"Spruance Sailors work hard to ensure the warfighting capabilities of Spruance are at peak performance," remarked Hernandez. "The visit by the Padres is an opportunity to showcase to the public the talent, courage, and absolute commitment of every Spruance Sailor in defense of our country."

The San Diego Padres frequently perform strategic outreach to military units stationed in Southern California as a part of extensive community outreach program and partnership with United States Automobile Association.

"It's definitely rewarding to have professional athletes visit the ship and see what we do on a day-to-day basis. It makes you feel like your work is valued," remarked Petty Officer 1st Class Jeremy Gonter.

USS Spruance (DDG 111) is a multi-mission destroyer stationed in San Diego, California.

For more news from USS Spruance (DDG 111), visit www.navy.mil/.