Apprenticeship
Farragut's first experience on a naval vessel took place after David Porter adopted him. Porter was a naval commander, the perfect teacher for young Farragut. Porter trained Farragut to be a naval officer by letting him participate in his voyages, including cruises during the war of 1812. Farragut honored Porter by changing his own first name to "David".
Farragut lived with Porter in his house in New Orleans, an excellent city for a naval base because of its connection to the Mississippi river. It was on the Mississippi river at the age of 8 that Farragut learned to sail, while joining Porter to hunt for pirates.