Courtesy Photo | Cmdr. Patrick Foster, USS Barry (DDG 52) commanding officer , answers a question after...... read more read more
By Lt. Lauren Gaidry
USS Barry Public Affairs
PHILADELPHIA – USS Barry (DDG 52) Sailors traveled to Philadelphia Sept. 7, to pay tribute to their ship’s namesake, Commodore John Barry.
They visited the site of the Commodore Barry Bridge and held a reenlistment ceremony at historic Independence Square, in front of their namesake’s statue. They left United States flags at each location to be flown at the ceremony honoring the commodore’s death Sept. 13, 1803.
Traveling to the area during back to school week, they established ties with students, faculty and staff at the John Barry Elementary School, visited Sterling High School in Somerdale, N.J., to speak with JROTC students and Villanova University, where they addressed the NROTC.
“Visiting John Barry Elementary School was an incredibly rewarding experience; I felt I was able to connect with the students and share my Navy experiences with them,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Matthew Abel. “It was really great seeing their reaction when we walked into the gym in our dress whites. It definitely made me feel a sense of pride in serving my country.”
While touring Independence Square, Barry’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Patrick Foster, had the honor of reenlisting Philadelphia native and Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Nicholas Perez, in front of the Commodore John Barry statue there. Attending the event was Perez’s extended family, including his grandfather, retired Navy SEAL, Radioman 2nd Class Cesar Perez.
“It truly was an honor to reenlist Petty Officer Perez in his hometown, especially in front of his family and particularly his grandfather,” said Foster. “His family was great – they really support him and are incredibly proud of everything he has done.”
Another trip highlight was a dinner hosted by the Philadelphia Navy League, where the Sailors enjoyed dining with two decorated World War II veterans, one of whom was the recipient of two Purple Hearts, earned in the war in the South Pacific.
“It was cool having dinner with retired Navy World War II veterans,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class Joseph Frisicco. “They had a lot of incredible things to say and it gave me a much better perspective of why I serve my country. It was awesome!”
John Barry is known as the “Father of the American Navy” and generally recognized as the finest Sailing man of his time.
He was born in Wexford, Ireland in 1745 and, at the outbreak of hostilities between England and the Colonies, offered his services to Congress. His ship, the Black Prince, was purchased by the government and named “Alfred.” It was on this ship that John Paul Jones, as a lieutenant, first hoisted the American (Grand Union) Flag. Upon reorganization of the Navy on June 5, 1794, Barry topped the list of captains. His commission was signed by Gen. George Washington, and dated Feb. 22, 1797. He died in his home near Philadelphia at the age of 53 and is buried in the city.
For more information on USS Barry, visit: http://www.barry.navy.mil/
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2014 17:54 |
| Story ID: | 142631 |
| Location: | PHILADELPHIA, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 170 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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