SUMMARY

INTRODUCING, the USS LAFAYETTE. Ambassador Laurent Bili and Mrs. Sabine Raczy-Bili attended today's ship naming celebration hosted by SECNAV Carlos Del Toro for the future USS Lafayette (FFG 65) on the grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Mrs. Raczy-Bili will be the sponsor of the ship, which honors Marquis De Lafayette and his service during the American Revolutionary War. The choice of Mount Vernon for the celebration commemorates the long-term friendship between George Washington and Lafayette. Secretary Del Toro explained that, "Just as her namesake, the Marquis de Lafayette did almost 250 years ago, USS Lafayette and her crew will stand ready to answer our Nation’s call to defend our shared principles around the world, ensuring that our global maritime commons remain free and open for all who wish to use them for lawful activities."