History

The Farragut (DDG 99) is U.S. Navy's 49th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer and was named in honor of Adm. David Glasgow Farragut (1801-1870). One of the Union's great heroes, Farragut gained fame for his exploits while in command of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during the Civil War. In 1862, his ships fought past confederate forts to capture New Orleans. In 1863, at Port Hudson, his forces gained control of the Mississippi River splitting the Confederacy. In 1864, Rear Adm. Farragut rallied his men to victory, shouting: "Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!" and led all but one of his 18 ships safely through the channel to win the Battle of Mobile Bay, one of the most celebrated victories in American naval history.