The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) departed Mobile, Ala., Feb. 26, following a port visit to celebrate Mardi Gras with the community.

Visiting Mobile to represent the Navy during Mardi Gras celebrations enabled the crew to participate in numerous scheduled events throughout the five day visit. Arriving on Feb. 21, the ship and crew were warmly greeted with a welcome ceremony on the pier. After being welcomed by the Navy League, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson presented McFaul commanding officer, Cmdr. Rusty J. Williamson with the key to the city, and read the Mardi Gras proclamation declaring that “all work shall cease!”

“This visit to Mobile was truly an amazing opportunity for the crew to go ashore and celebrate the festivities and also to show off their ship to the local crowds,” said Williamson. “Mobile is certainly a Navy town, and our crew really enjoyed the family friendly Mardi Gras environment that Mobile is known for.”

Each day during their visit, Sailors were able to participate in various parades, a 5k road race, celebrations and receptions. The McFaul crew also offered guided tours of their ship to nearly 400 people each day.

The port visit was an opportunity for the crew to enjoy the local hospitality, culture and cuisine. Very few of the crew had participated in Mardi Gras before, and the city’s world class hospitality and welcoming nature made the visit a truly memorable one. For Damage Controlman 1st Class Kristen Stealey, who is from Mobile, it was a wonderful homecoming.

 “Being able to come home on the ship I serve on was a great feeling,” said Stealy. “It was amazing to be back home and to get to see my family and friends, and be able to participate in Mardi Gras with my shipmates.”

McFaul is named after Chief Engineman Donald L. McFaul, the first Navy warship to be named after a Chief Petty Officer. Chief Petty Officer McFaul was killed in action after leaving a position of safety to assist his teammate under heavy fire during combat operations in Panama. His ultimate sacrifice inspired other heroic acts. He was posthumously awarded the “Purple Heart” and “Navy Cross.” McFaul, the 24th Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, recently completed an eight month deployment to the 5th and 6th Fleet areas or operations and is stationed out of Norfolk, VA.

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