USS The Sullivans visits Toulon, France

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) made a scheduled port visit to Toulon, France as the final stop of their historic deployment with the Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 21, the U.S. Navy 6th Fleet announced.

“The crew had the opportunity to step off the ship and recharge after a long underway by visiting Toulon,” said Cmdr. James Diefenderfer, Jr., commanding officer of The Sullivans. “This visit allowed the crew to get out and visit the local sites of France and on-load essential stores.”

The stop is The Sullivans’ sixth port visit since deploying from her homeport of Mayport, Florida on April 19, 2021. While in Toulon, The Sullivans’ crew will enjoy the local historic sights and experience local French culture.

The Sullivans is named to honor the five brothers from Waterloo, Iowa who served together on the USS Juneau during World War II. The Sullivan brothers: George, 28; Francis, 27; Joseph, 24; Madison, 23; and Albert, 20; lost their lives during the Battle of Guadalcanal on November 13, 1942. They were adamant about serving together in spite of the Navy wartime policy to separate family members.

Check out Naval Library App to find out more about the specifications of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.