The guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul arrived in Mobile for a scheduled port visit, in conjunction with the city’s 2025 Mardi Gras celebration, February 28.

As the oldest organized Mardi Gras in the U.S., Mobile provides a unique opportunity for sailors aboard McFaul to engage with the local community and showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy.

The visit featured public tours, community outreach events and opportunities for residents to meet and interact with the sailors of McFaul. Whether sharing sea stories, walking in the historic Mardi Gras parades or welcoming visitors aboard, the crew proudly represented the Navy and demonstrated their commitment to service.

Commissioned on January 18, 1997, USS McFaul is a Flight II Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, home to 296 highly skilled sailors and commanded by Cmdr. Brad Steidle. The ship’s crew was excited to connect with the people of Mobile, sharing their mission, heritage and commitment to excellence while participating in the city’s historic festivities.

Sailors assigned to USS McFaul catch beads thrown by a USS Alabama Crewmate while moored in Mobile, Alabama for Mardi Gras, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication

USS McFaul prepares to moore in Mobile, Alabama for Mardi Gras, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

The Mobile Azalea Trail Maids wait to welcome USS McFaul to Mobile, Alabama for Mardi Gras. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Ensign Jackson Haber, assigned to USS McFaul, answers questions from local media ahead of Mardi Gras celebrations, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson reads the Mardi Gras proclamation alongside Cmdr. Bradley D. Steidle, commanding officer of USS McFaul, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

The Dunlap Division Sea Cadets color guard stands in formation to welcome USS McFaul to Mobile, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Mobile Azalea Trail Maids escort Cmdr. Bradley D. Steidle, commanding officer of USS McFaul, after mooring in Mobile, Alabama for Mardi Gras, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Ensign Andrew Clevenger, assigned to USS McFaul, gives a tour of a repair locker to Saraland High School Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) members, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson takes a photo with the Mobile Azalea Trail Maids as they wait to welcome USS McFaul to Mobile, Alabama for Mardi Gras, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

USS McFaul prepares to moore in Mobile, Alabama for Mardi Gras, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Cmdr. Bradley D. Steidle, commanding officer of USS McFaul, speaks during a welcoming ceremony, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Ensign Oliver Kruszka and Ensign Andrew Clevenger, assigned to USS McFaul, speak to Saraland High School Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) members during a tour while moored in Mobile, Alabama, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Sailors assigned to USS McFaul catch moon pies thrown by USS Alabama Crewmates while moored in Mobile, Alabama, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson speaks during a welcome ceremony for USS McFaul, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Trail Maids escort Cmdr. Bradley D. Steidle, commanding officer of USS McFaul, after mooring in Mobile, Alabama for Mardi Gras, Feb. 28, 2025. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

McFaul carries a legacy of valor through its namesake, Chief Petty Officer Donald L. McFaul, a Navy SEAL who made the ultimate sacrifice during Operation Just Cause in 1989. Awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart posthumously, Chief McFaul’s courage, honor and sacrifice continue to inspire the ship’s crew. His Navy Cross is carried aboard as a symbol of the fighting spirit and dedication of those who serve.

The U.S. Navy invited the people of Mobile to visit and experience firsthand the dedication and professionalism of America’s warfighters.

The mission of Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) is to deliver naval surface forces that are ready on arrival and prepared to fight and win. More than 70 ships and 34 shore commands make up the SURFLANT Force.

Command Master Chief Brian Barrineau-Juhas and Fire Controlman 2nd Class Tylan Alexander assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74) participate in Mobile, Alabama’s King Felix III and Floral Parade, March 3, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Sailors assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74) pose for a photo after volunteering to prepare sandwiches for elderly and indigent residents of downtown Mobile, March 4, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Rebekah Hernandez, assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74), interacts with the crowd during Mobile, Alabama’s Floral Parade, March 1, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Operations Specialist Emilee McMahon assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74), prepares sandwiches for elderly and indigent residents of downtown Mobile, March 4, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Sailors assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74) march in Mobile, Alabama’s Floral Parade, March 1, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Chief Electronics Technician Angel Dukes assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74), prepares sandwiches for elderly and indigent residents of downtown Mobile, March 4, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Commanding Officer Cmdr. Bradley D. Steidle and Master-At-Arms 1st Class Matthew Snyder assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74), participate in Mobile, Alabama’s Floral Parade, March 1, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Sailors assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74) prepare sandwiches for elderly and indigent residents of downtown Mobile, March 4, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Matthew Buchholz assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74) waves to the crowd during Mobile, Alabama’s King Felix III and Floral Parade, March 3, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Chief Hospital Corpsman Dakota Neel and Operations Specialist 2nd Class Emilee McMahon assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74), prepare sandwiches for elderly and indigent residents of downtown Mobile, March 4, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Sailors assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74) participate in Mobile, Alabama’s King Felix III and Floral Parade, March 3, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Chief Electronics Technician Angel Dukes and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Harvest Hines assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74), prepare sandwiches for elderly and indigent residents of downtown Mobile, March 4, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Fire Controlmen (Aegis) 2nd Class Alexander Punch assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74), throws moon pies during Mobile, Alabama’s King Felix III and Floral Parade, March 3, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Sailors assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74), write handwritten notes and prepare sandwiches for elderly and indigent residents of downtown Mobile, March 4, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Chief Cryptological Technician (Technical) Matthew Buchholz assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74) smiles for a photo with a member of the crowd during Mobile, Alabama’s King Felix III and Floral Parade, March 3, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

A handwritten note to accompany prepared sandwiches for elderly and indigent residents of downtown Mobile, March 4, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Command Master Chief Brian Barrineau-Juhas and Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Aboudoulaye Ibrahim assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74), participate in Mobile, Alabama’s Floral Parade, March 1, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Fire Controlman (Aegis) 2nd Class Alexander Punch and Master-At-Arms 1st Class Matthew Snyder assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74), participate in Mobile, Alabama’s King Felix III and Floral Parade, March 3, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Tylan Alexander assigned to USS McFaul (DDG 74) throws beads during Mobile, Alabama’s King Felix III and Floral Parade, March 3, 2025. McFaul is in Mobile, Alabama, participating in its 2025 Mardi Gras celebration. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sophie A. Pinkham)