The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) arrived in Praia, Cape Verde, for a scheduled stop for fuel and supplies Nov. 5.

The visit also provided an opportunity to enhance U.S.-Cape Verde relations as the two nations work together to strengthen maritime security in West Africa.

Quote:

"Cape Verde is a beautiful island chain, and we are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit. We appreciate the gracious visit paid to us by Ambassador Heflin and his staff, as well as the hospitality shown to us by the representatives of the Cape Verdean government." - Cmdr. Michael J. Gunther, commanding officer, USS McFaul

Quick Facts:

While in Praia, McFaul was visited by U.S. ambassador to Cape Verde Donald Heflin as well as several senior Cape Verdean government officials, including Mr. Rui Semedo, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and National Defense, Mrs. Maria Jesus Miranda, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Major General Alberto Carlos Barbosa Fernandes, Chief of Staff of the Cape Verdean Armed Forces, and Lieutenant Colonel Paulo Lopes, National Director of Cape Verdean defense.

The distinguished visitors were given a tour of the ship and had the opportunity to interact briefly with several members of McFaul's crew.

McFaul, homeported in Norfolk, Virginia, departed on deployment in April 2015 as an independent deployer in support of ballistic missile defense, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th, 6th and 4th Fleet areas of operation.

McFaul is currently working with United States allies and regional partners to help develop and improve our maritime forces, maintain regional security and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe and Africa.

U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.