USS McFaul Completes African Circumnavigation Transit

Throughout the long-distance voyage, McFaul relied on diplomatic coordination and maritime partnerships to replenish fuel and essential provisions across diverse operating environments. The U.S. Navy expressed its appreciation to the governments and maritime forces of Kenya, Ghana and Cabo Verde for facilitating refueling operations, anchorages and logistical support that sustained the warship and its crew.

Navigating around the African continent highlighted the agility and sustained readiness of U.S. surface combatants, made possible through bilateral relationships and shared maritime interests.

“The execution of this transit is a testament to the strength of our maritime partnerships across the African continent and the professionalism of the McFaul team,” said Vice Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet. “Operating alongside our partners ensures the safety and security of vital sea lines of communication and reinforces our shared commitment to regional stability.”

The coordinated refueling and replenishment operations enabled the destroyer to maintain high-tempo readiness across thousands of nautical miles, exercising expeditionary logistics while deepening ties with partner nations along Africa’s eastern, southern and western seaboards.

“Voyages of this scale are sustained by the trust and teamwork of our global allies and maritime partners,” said Cmdr. Adam Samson, McFaul’s Commanding Officer. “We extend our sincere gratitude to our host partners across Africa. Their responsiveness and professionalism demonstrated our mutual dedication to maritime safety.”

McFaul is capable of conducting prompt, sustained combat operations across multiple warfare domains, including air, surface and undersea warfare. The ship is named in honor of Navy SEAL Chief Petty Officer Donald L. McFaul, who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for heroic action during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989.

Headquartered in Naples, Italy, U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and partner forces, to advance shared interests and promote maritime stability in Europe and Africa.