US Navy destroyer to mark goodwill voyage 100 years ago

The guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG-52) will arrive in Malta for a short visit tomorrow to mark the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet, a historic US Navy goodwill voyage around the world that included a stop in Malta in 1909.

In 1907, Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th US President, sent a portion of the Atlantic fleet on a world tour to generate international goodwill. Sixteen battleships, plus auxiliary support ships and 14,000 sailors and marines, embarked on the 14-month journey that covered some 43,000 miles and made 20 port calls on six continents.

The participating ships, painted white except for gilded scrollwork on their bows, later became known as the Great White Fleet.

This naval voyage demonstrated to the world the US' friendship and its commitment to enhancing multilateral relations. The Great White Fleet reached the Mediterranean in December 1908 and offered invaluable assistance during the devastating earthquake which hit Messina, Italy at the time. Following that humanitarian mission, the fleet spent a few days in Malta between January 14 and 19, 1909.

During its port visit here, the USS Barry will commemorate this historic event with a number of activities, including a reception hosted by US Ambassador Molly Bordonaro and Rear Admiral Joe Leidig, Deputy Commander, US Sixth Fleet, in honour of Maltese dignitaries.

In keeping with navy tradition, members of the crew will volunteer some of their free time to give a helping hand at a number of local charitable institutions.

For more information on the historic voyage of The Great White Fleet, visit www.greatwhitefleet.info.