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SECNAV Visits USS John L. Hall, Celebrates 100 Years of the Great White Fleet

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080519-20
Release Date: 5/19/2008 5:02:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW) Brian A. Goyak, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Sigonella

BATUMI, Georgia (NNS) -- Secretary of the Navy, Donald C. Winter, visited the USS John L. Hall (FFG 32) in Batumi, on May 6, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's Great White Fleet.

Winter visited the guided-missile frigate, which is currently operating in the Black Sea in support of the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (CNE) Operational Objectives to improve maritime safety and security in Europe and Africa.

While aboard, Winter answered questions from John L. Hall crew members, met with the mayor and regional governor of Batumi, and attended a reception in honor of the Great White Fleet's 100th anniversary.

In December of 1907, 16 battleships and auxiliary ships manned by 14,000 Sailors set out on a voyage around the globe. Known as the Great White Fleet, these ships demonstrated U.S. readiness, established global presence, and created international goodwill and enthusiasm for the U.S. Navy.

"It is truly an honor to host the Secretary of the Navy on board USS John L. Hall while conducting theater security and cooperation engagements in Batumi, Georgia, [and] celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Great White Fleet," said Cmdr. Augustus P. Bennett, commanding officer, John L. Hall.

John L. Hall is the 26th ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigates. She is homeported in Mayport, Fla. The John L. Hall was built by Bath Iron Works, in Bath, Maine, and commissioned June 26, 1982. After its commission, John L. Hall quickly earned the reputation of a ship that is "always victorious." The USS John L. Hall continues its mission with the same forward-looking spirit that initiated the Great White Fleet a century ago.

"Today's goal of building strong partnerships and strengthening peace is not much different than in 1907," said Capt. George Walter, Commander Task Force 367. "It is [through] visits such as John L. Hall and the Secretary of the Navy here in Batumi, Georgia, that allows[s] the U.S. Navy to continue its efforts to improve maritime security and safety throughout Sixth Fleet."

For more news from the Secretary of the Navy, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/secnav/.