More than 300 friends and family members joined the officers and crew of the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) for a family day cruise off the coast of Southern California, May 20.

The cruise provided a final opportunity for the crew to showcase the ship to their loved ones prior to joining the U.S. 7th Fleet's Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF) in Yokosuka, Japan.

Once out to sea, guests witnessed a precision anchorage demonstration by the ship's navigation and anchoring teams. Immediately following the simulated anchorage the guests enjoyed a "steel beach" picnic BBQ hosted by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation committee.

Guests then received a special exhibition of Chancellorsville's firepower with a demonstration of the ship's crew-served weapons. The ship's engineering department also impressed family and friends with a demonstration of damage control hose handling skills. Lastly, the cruise ended with a professionally narrated tour of San Diego Harbor.

"I really enjoyed asking questions and learning about my sister's job as well as what everyone else does on board," said Candessa Williams, a family member from Kansas City, Kansas.

Nanette Burge, the mother of Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Matthew Burge, said she appreciated how Capt. Curt Renshaw, the ship's commanding officer, took the time to greet all of the guests.

"I was surprised that so many people knew my son and how great it is that everyone takes care of one another on the ship," said Burge's mother. "It's amazing, you're all a family."

By joining the FDNF later this summer, Chancellorsville will enhance presence in U.S. 7th Fleet as part of the U.S. Navy's long-range plan to send the most advanced and capable units to the Asia-Pacific region.

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