USS Barry in Malta on Sunday

The USS Barry (DDG-52) is arriving in Malta for a short visit on Sunday 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.

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

In keeping with the US Navy tradition, members of the crew will be doing voluntary work with local charitable institutions during the visit.

The Embassy said that in 1907, Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, sent a portion of the Atlantic fleet on a world tour to generate international goodwill.

Sixteen battleships, as well as 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 United States’ 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 at that time. Following its humanitarian mission in Messina, the fleet spent between January 14 and 19, 1909 in Malta.