The American Navy destroyer USS Barry (DDG-52) has arrived in Grand Harbour for a brief port visit and to provide the crew with a few days of rest and recuperation.
In keeping with U.S. Navy tradition, members of the crew will also have an opportunity to volunteer and participate in several community relations projects. This port visit’s projects are: the Richmond Foundation, the Malta Aviation Museum, the Malta Sea Cadets headquarters and a beach clean-up at Mistra Bay.
Officers are also due to meet and help train members of the Armed Forces of Malta, particularly the personnel of the Air Wing and Maritime Squadron. They will also exchange experiences and information on anti-piracy operations in which AFM soldiers successfully participated in the last few months.
USS Barry is commanded by Commander Adolfo H. Ibarra, USN.
Its namesake is Philadelphia's Irish-born naval commander, Commodore John Barry, an unsung hero of the American Revolution despite his gallantry and heroic exploits. Barry has been described as "Father of the American Navy."
In the space of 58 years, this son of a poor Irish farmer rose from humble cabin boy to senior commander of the entire United States fleet.