The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) arrived in Lisbon, Portugal, Oct. 28, for a scheduled port visit.

The visit offers the two NATO-founding countries an opportunity to strengthen relations as they work alongside one another to promote stability and security throughout the region.

Aiming to make an impact on the community of Lisbon, 12 Farragut Sailors will be participating in a community relations (COMREL) event by organizing and assisting in the setup of a clothing drive.

“Visiting foreign ports is always something I look forward to after spending time out to sea, but being able to lend a helping hand to the country which is accommodating our ship is always an added bonus,” said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Eric Somera, a volunteer for the event. “Interactions like these between partner nations allow us to learn more about each other as we are not just exploring their country, but working alongside them in a meaningful way.”

Throughout the ship’s visit to Lisbon, Farragut Sailors will be conducting maintenance, topside preservation and onloading supplies and stores as the ship prepares to head back out to sea. When Sailors aren’t busy handling ship responsibilities, they will have the opportunity to explore the sights of Lisbon and enjoy the culture and history throughout the country.

Portugal is the sixth country Farragut has visited since departing Naval Station Mayport on April 11 as part of a scheduled deployment with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. Throughout the ship’s deployment, Farragut has also operated independently in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations during the strike group’s working port visit at Naval Station Norfolk.

Farragut, homeported at Naval Station Mayport, is conducting naval operations in the U.S. Sixth Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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