www.flagshipnews.com | The Flagship | Section 1 | Thursday, January 11, 2024 1
IN THIS ISSUE
NAVFAC MIDLANT Environmental, DoD Chesapeake Bay Program Participate in Naval Station Norfolk Fleet Fest STEM Event
Participants provided environmental literature, activities, and a trivia game to the more than 3,000 students, 500 teachers and administrators from Norfolk and Portsmouth Public Schools. PAGE A4 VOL. 32, NO. 1, Norfolk, VA | flagshipnews.com
January 11-January 17, 2024
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) returns to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk after a 8-month deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 4, 2024. McFaul, part of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG), deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to defend U.S., allied and partner interests. (U.S. NAVY PHOTO BY MASS COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST 1ST CLASS RYAN SEELBACH)
USS McFaul returns home from 8-month deployment Courtesy Story
Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet
The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) returned to Norfolk, Va., Jan. 4, 2024 after an 8-month deployment to the Atlantic Ocean and U.S. 5th Fleet areas of operations. McFaul served as an independently deployed ship in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations and an air defense unit in the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) off the coast of Israel. McFaul completed 34 Strait of Hormuz transits to ensure freedom of navigation for commercial traffic in a highly transited and politically sensitive area of the world. McFaul
also conducted 17 close escorts for maritime allies and assets, in support of U.S. maritime security objectives in the Middle East and Europe. “USS McFaul is a family,” said Quartermaster 2nd Class Jose Vispo, a member of the ship’s crew. “Through the adversity and struggles, we still made it through with our chins held high. I believe that we were able to get through this very long deployment with such success because every member of the crew is treated like a brother or a sister. That family mentality turns any challenge, no matter how difficult, into a simple task. I think McFaul answered the call just as our namesake suggests: with courage, honor and sacrifice.”
In 250 days, the crew of McFaul conducted 26 replenishments at sea, sailed over 50,000 nautical miles, and safely transferred over 5,500,000 gallons of fuel. McFaul transited the Atlantic Ocean and began patrols the Gulf of Oman and Southern Arabian Gulf after transiting through the Suez Canal. “McFaul and Team 74 return to our families and loved ones today from a record-setting eight-month deployment to Fifth and Sixth Fleet Areas of Responsibility,” said Cmdr. Antonia Shey, the commanding officer of McFaul. “During our 192 days in Fifth Fleet, McFaul prevented the Iranian seizure of two motor tankers, completed an unprecedented 34 Strait of Hormuz transits, conducted rescue and assistance of
distressed mariners, and escorted numerous merchant vessels to ensure free flow of commerce. Additionally, McFaul participated in joint and bi-lateral exercises strengthening partnerships and building relationships with five nations and the U.S. Air Force. The grit, determination, and hard work from every member of Team 74 contributed to McFaul’s successful deployment and I could not be prouder of Team 74.” McFaul crew conducted maritime security operations and engaged with allied and partner nations in the 5th Fleet area of operations. McFaul navigated throughout the region providing assurance and deterring Turn to USS McFaul returns, Page 2
Military Sealift Command: 75 years of maritime excellence By Bill Mesta
USN Military Sealift Command
January kicks off a yearlong celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command. Military Sealift Command (MSC) supports the joint warfighter delivering agile logistics, strategic sealift, as well as specialized missions anywhere in the world. Stood up in 1949, MSC (then called Military Sea Transportation Service) became the single managing agency for the Department of Defense’s ocean transportation needs. The command assumed responsibility for providing sealift and ocean transportation for all military services as well as for other government agencies. MSC has been present during every major conflict since World War II, providing vital logistic and operational support to the U.S. Navy and Joint Force around the globe. A commemorative anniversary logo celebrates the rich heritage of MSC, with curated ship silhouettes representing USS Taluga, a fleet oiler with a storied history later used to pilot a new manning model for support ships, and USNS John Lewis, the lead ship in a new class of fleet replenishment oilers. Throughout its existence, the MSC combat logistics force has continued to provide fuel, ordnance, food, parts, and
supplies via underway replenishment-at-sea to carrier strike groups, amphibious ready groups, independent deployers and ships from allied and partner nations. Starting at the turn of the new century, MSC began operating new classes of vessels to support U.S. Navy and other Department of Defense requirements, including an afloat forward staging base, expeditionary fast transports, expeditionary sea bases and transfer docks, and a sea-based radar platform. The Merchant Marine has been integral to the operation and success of command. The United States has relied on the U.S. Merchant Marine to carry logistics power to the fight since the earliest days of the Republic. Today’s contract and Civil Service Mariners remain essential to our economy and defense. Headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, MSC operates a fleet of more than 135 civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships at sea, conduct specialized missions, preposition combat cargo at sea around the world, perform a variety of support services, and move military equipment and supplies to deployed U.S. forces. Video and still photography, and information products recognizing the anniversary year can be found at: https:// www.dvidshub.net/feature/MSC75thAnniversary
January Sailor in the Spotlight: Navy Diver 2nd Class Devon Longo www.flagshipnews.com
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Navy Diver 2nd Class Devon Longo, assigned to Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center’s Dive Locker, is January’s Sailor in the Spotlight! Longo performs underwater maintenance and repair to naval ships stationed at Naval Station Norfolk. PAGE A6
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