The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer departed Norfolk on Nov. 25, 2025, and its deployment covered the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas, where it defended U.S., allied and partner interests.
While integrating with the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS George H.W. Bush and USS George Washington carrier strike groups, McFaul provided anti-air warfare, surface warfare and naval surface fire support. It used its Aegis Combat System both during the buildup to the operation and during its execution.
“The Sailors of the USS McFaul have performed exceptionally well during this demanding combat deployment, proving themselves as a true warfighting powerhouse. Operating in a highly volatile region, this crew has repeatedly demonstrated the grit, technical mastery, and resilience required to protect our strike group and execute complex missions under pressure,” said Cmdr. Adam Samson, McFaul’s commanding officer.
McFaul, designated DDG 74, is a Flight II Arleigh Burke-class destroyer capable of anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Its vertical launching system and radar network enable it to track and engage multiple threats simultaneously. The ship is designed to operate independently or as part of a carrier strike group or amphibious readiness group.
“I could not be more proud of their unwavering dedication and the quiet professionalism they bring to the watch every single day,” Samson said. “The true strength of this warship is, and always will be, its people.”
Commissioned on April 25, 1998, in Savannah, Georgia, McFaul was the 24th destroyer of its class and the 11th built at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
