USS Taylor Departs Villefranche
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS100709-04
7/9/2010
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Edward Kessler, USS Taylor (FFG 50) Public Affairs
VILLEFRANCHE, France (NNS) -- USS Taylor (FFG 50) departed Villefranche, France, after a four-day port visit July 6.
During the visit, Taylor's crew participated in several events, including the commissioning of a memorial to French sailors who were lost during World War II, a memorial honoring the American pilots of a downed B-24 Liberator and assisted in cleanup efforts in the flood-ravaged areas of Draguignan.
Cmdr. Lyle Hall, Taylor's commanding officer, and six Sailors attended the commissioning of a new memorial in Villefranche honoring French sailors who were lost during the battle of Mers-el-Kebir during World War II.
"I was very humbled to be part of such an event," said Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW) Robert Ehrhart Jr. "This was a historically significant event for the French, and I am glad I was a part of it."
After the ceremony, Taylor's crew hosted a reception aboard the ship that included 75 local officials from the U.S. Navy League, French Riviera-Monaco Council and the city of Villefranche.
"We wish to thank [Taylor and her crew] and all Americans that serve in the U.S. Armed Forces," said Villefranche Mayor Gerard Grosgogeat. "Because of your sacrifices, we can all live with liberty in life."
Members of Taylor's crew were hosted by both the U.S. Navy League and Grosgogeat in multiple events celebrating America's Independence Day.
Cmdr. Jeremy Hill, Taylor's executive officer, and 15 Sailors attended the L'Equipage du Liberator memorial, which honors the American crew of a downed B-24 Liberator. The B-24 crashed following mechanical malfunctions during a bombing run on a German communication center May 25, 1944.
After the B-24's ceremony, the French Riviera Navy League hosted a luncheon for the crew of Taylor on the beaches of Cannes. Members of the Navy League of the United States, many of whom were children during the German occupation of France, shared their experiences with Taylor's crew.
"To have the opportunity to speak to people who lived through something that I have only read about is a once in a lifetime thing," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Jordan Kareklas. "I have a new appreciation of the French people and what they went through."
Hall, Command Master Chief Steven Allen and several of Taylor's crew participated in the procession to the Feast of St. Peter Mass, which concluded with an at-sea wreath laying with Grosgogeat. During the ceremony, Hall assisted Grosgogeat in placing a wreath at sea in honor of former Sailors. Afterward, Rene Vestri, mayor of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat, also hosted Hall, Allen and the Taylor officers and crew to a luncheon.
In addition to the ceremonies and receptions, 12 Sailors from Taylor took part in cleanup efforts in which they helped clean up the homes of local residents struck by massive flooding in the city of Draguignan, which caused more than 200 deaths.
"The last big flood they had here was over 200 years ago, and all of a sudden they had over 400 milimeters (17 inches) of rain in one day," said David True, a volunteer from Paris assisting with the cleanup. "All the people here appreciate the [U.S. Navy's] help, it was unexpected."
Taylor crew members spent the day removing debris and clearing dirt and mud that had accumulated as a result of the flood.
"To see what the city and the people went through was very heartbreaking," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Waltine Nauta. "It reminds me of my home in Guam. To be able to lend a hand and actually interact with the people brings me a great deal of joy and fulfillment."
Taylor, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is home ported in Mayport, Fla., and is on a schedule deployment to the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility.
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