USS McFaul Heads to the Arabian Sea

By Story by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Karen E. Cozza, COMNAVSURFLANT Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- The guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) departed Naval Station Norfolk today on a regularly scheduled deployment to the Arabian Sea to participate in counter-piracy operations.

The crew, commanded by Cmdr. Daniel J. Gillen, has been preparing for this deployment since they returned from their last deployment in August 2010.

"I have a great crew and we are ready for this deployment," praised Gillen. "I like to think this ship is like a Swiss Army Knife; we can do everything, from humanitarian relief to full combat operations."

"I look forward to getting over there and bringing this ship, one of the best ships on the Norfolk waterfront, overseas to do our mission," he added.

This will be McFaul's Command Master Chief Dianne Lohner's seventh and last deployment before retiring later this year.

"It will be a little bittersweet for me," said Lohner. "But I'm excited about all the new experiences we will have and the Naval traditions that we will continue to pass along."

"For the new Sailors making their first deployment, I stress with them to make sure they make the most out of every day out there," she added.

This is the first deployment for Navy wives Hillary Chaney, wife of Sonar Technician (Surface) 3rd Class Bryce Chaney and Annie Verteramo, wife of Electronics Technician 3rd Class Jameson Verteramo, who stood together as the ship pulled out.

"I am proud to know that I am married to a man who is going to do this for our country, even though it's sad that he has to leave to do it," Hillary said.

Annie added, "I feel selfish for not wanting him to leave, but I am definitely proud, it is cool to know that your husband is out there doing this."

McFaul, commissioned in 1998, is the 24th Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer, and was named after Chief Petty Officer Donald L. McFaul. McFaul was a local SEAL Team 4 hero who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, the Nation's second highest combat valor award, for his heroic actions in saving his teammates during combat operations in December 1989 as part of Operation Just Cause in Panama.

USS McFaul Returns Home after Successful Deployment

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Shanika L. Futrell, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) returned to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk Nov. 6 after a six-month independent deployment that included humanitarian relief operations in the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

McFaul Sailors delivered more than 27 tons of water, hygiene items, baby food and infant supplies during Operation Assured Delivery (OAD). OAD provided U.S. Armed Forces' logistical support to humanitarian aid efforts in Georgia following the 2008 South Ossetia conflict.

The 505-foot-long destroyer is home to 275 Sailors and is commanded by Cmdr. Timothy Schorr.

"This deployment was undoubtedly safe and successful," said Schorr. "With every goal that was set, the crew exceeded my expectations and demonstrated excellence in every operational mission that they were a part of by working diligently and showing pride and professionalism."

While deployed to the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility, McFaul also participated in several exercises such as the multinational exercise Sea Breeze.

Sea Breeze 2008 was a joint invitational and combined maritime exercise involving 16 countries. It is held in the spirit of partnership for peace in the Black Sea.

"This exercise went very well, and my outstanding crew made this possible. I am pleased to have served with them, as well as the several different nations that participated in the exercise," said Schorr.

Now that the deployment is finished, McFaul is preparing to join the Harry S. Truman Strike Group along with Commander Destroyer Squadron (COMDESRON) 26.

"McFaul's crew were doing outstanding things out there and has a great reputation," said Capt. Michael Strano, commodore, COMDESRON 26. "It's a great opportunity for McFaul to join the Harry S. Truman Strike Group. McFaul will get to participate in all our work-ups and get to deploy with us next year."

Strano also said that Mcfaul will be a great asset to the team judging by the outstanding reputation the crew has made for themselves.

"The crew has shown immense personal dedication and dedication to the Navy during their deployment," said Strano. "It shows that the quality of work of McFaul and her crew is simply outstanding, and I look forward to working with them through our work-ups and next deployment."

USS McFaul Brings Aid to Batumi, Georgia

USS McFaul (DDG 74) pulled into the port of Batumi, Georgia, Aug. 24 to deliver humanitarian relief supplies to the country as part of the larger United States response to the government of Georgia request for humanitarian assistance.

This represents the first U.S. Navy ship to arrive and deliver humanitarian assistance to Georgia.

"Our job was to get the supplies to Georgia as quickly as possible," said Capt. John Moore, commodore of Combined Task Force 367. "The entire crew of this ship realizes the significance of their efforts in helping to provide comfort to the people of Georgia."

McFaul delivered 82 pallets with about 155,000 pounds of supplies donated by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), including hygiene items, baby food and care supplies, bottled water, and milk. Ships can carry much more cargo per mission than aircraft, which have a capacity of three to 12 pallets per sortie.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Dallas (WHEC 716) and USS Mount Whitney (LCC/JCC 20) have also on-loaded humanitarian supplies destined for Georgia. Dallas left Souda Bay, Crete on Thursday with more than 76,000 pounds of relief supplies and will arrive in Georgia within a week. U.S. Navy C-9, C-40 and C-130 aircraft have flown tens of thousands of hygiene kits into the country over the past week.

McFaul, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, is home ported in Norfolk, Va., and is on a regularly scheduled deployment in the Sixth Fleet area of responsibility.