Sailors aboard USS Ramage (DDG 61) visited Boston July 2-6 to participate in annual Boston Harborfest and Independence Day festivities.

Boston Harborfest is one of the nation's most popular Fourth of July festivals, a 37-year-old tradition celebrating Boston's harbor and history.

"We were thrilled to visit Boston and represent the Navy for this event," said Cmdr. Paul O'Brien, Ramage commanding officer. "Ramage was commissioned in Boston back in 1995, so coming here always feels like spending time in a second home port."

The crew hosted Boston-area citizens for public tours of the ship, giving them a rare chance to experience life aboard the naval warship.

"I love seeing visitors come tour Ramage," said O'Brien. "We get all kinds of people that want to walk around the ship, from retired veterans to little kids that want to join the Navy one day."

Ramage Sailors spent Fourth of July week in Boston participating in service projects around the city and visiting historical sites. Sailors took part in assembling care packages for the USO, serving food at the New England Center and Home for Veterans and the Pine Street Inn. The captain and crew also participated in a wreath laying ceremony at the Massachusetts Fallen Heroes Memorial.

"This was my second time visiting Boston, but I hadn't been here for the Fourth of July celebration," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Afton Walker. "There is so much history and patriotism in this city."

For a high-resolution photo of the ship click here: http://www.navy.mil/management/photodb/photos/160105-N-AX638-237.JPG

For more information about USS Ramage, visit the website: www.public.navy.mil/surflant/ddg61/Pages/default.aspx or the ship's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ussramage/

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.