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USS McFaul Visits Cape Verde (1) of (2)

PRAIA, Cape Verde (Nov. 5, 2015) Cmdr. Michael J. Gunther, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke Class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74), showcases the ship’s forecastle during a tour with U. S. Ambassador to Cape Verde, Donald Heflin and Mr. Rui Semedo, Cape Verdean Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. McFaul is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in order to advance security and stability in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Frank Cottone/RELEASED)

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USS McFaul Visits Cape Verde (2) of (2)

PRAIA, CAPE VERDE (Nov. 5, 2015) – U. S. Ambassador to Cape Verde, Donald Heflin and Mr. Rui Semedo, Cape Verdean Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, confer with Cmdr. Michael J. Gunther, commanding officer of the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74). McFaul is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in order to advance security and stability in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Frank Cottone/RELEASED)

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PRAIA, CAPE VERDE – The Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) arrived in Praia, Cape Verde for a scheduled stop for fuel and supplies Nov. 5, 2015.

The visit also provided an opportunity to enhance U.S.-Cape Verde relations as the two nations work together to strengthen maritime security in West Africa.

“Cape Verde is a beautiful island chain, and we are very fortunate to have had the opportunity to visit. We appreciate the gracious visit paid to us by Ambassador Heflin and his staff, as well as the hospitality shown to us by the representatives of the Cape Verdean government,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Michael J. Gunther, commanding officer, USS McFaul.

Quick Facts

•  While in Praia, McFaul was visited by U.S. ambassador to Cape Verde Donald Heflin as well as several senior Cape Verdean government officials, including: Mr. Rui Semedo, Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and National Defense, Mrs. Maria Jesus Miranda, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Major General Alberto Carlos Barbosa Fernandes, Chief of Staff of the Cape Verdean Armed Forces, and Lieutenant Colonel Paulo Lopes, National Director of Cape Verdean defense.

• The distinguished visitors were given a tour of the ship and had the opportunity to interact briefly with several members of McFaul’s crew.

• McFaul, homeported in Norfolk, Va. departed on deployment in April of 2015 as an independent deployer in support of ballistic missile defense, maritime security operations, and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th, 6th and4th Fleet areas of operation.

• McFaul is currently working with United States allies and regional partners to help develop and improve our maritime forces, maintain regional security, and work towards mutual goals in order to advance security and stability in Europe.

• U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.