The Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) and her crew will visit Gloucester, Massachusetts, beginning Sept. 4 to participate in the 31st annual Gloucester Schooner Festival.

The visit supports the Navy's public outreach program which brings ships into communities not regularly frequented by the sea services.

Fort McHenry Sailors and Marines will take part in festivities in and around the Gloucester Harbor during the weekend. They will provide a color guard for the Boston Red Sox - Philadelphia Phillies baseball game on Saturday night, volunteer at the Open Door Food Pantry, host 100 guests for a brunch onboard, and conduct tours for those who would like to learn more about the ship.

"Our Sailors and Marines are looking forward to experiencing the beauty and history of Gloucester, providing support through community relations programs and hosting tours," said Cmdr. Tom Ulmer, the ship's commanding officer. "We are looking forward to a successful visit and are happy to be given the opportunity to participate in this celebration."

This is the first port visit for the crew since returning home from a seven-month deployment in July.

"As a local from Dorchester, I am honored to have the opportunity to return home and bring the pride of America's Navy to support the 31st annual Gloucester Schooner Festival," said Lt. Mike Allen. "The crew is very excited to be a part of the upcoming festivities here."

Following the visit, the ship will return to her Mayport, Florida, homeport to begin a post-deployment maintenance period routinely scheduled following ships return from the many months at sea.

For more information about USS Fort McHenry, visit (http://www.fort-mchenry.navy.mil/)

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