MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Ensign Christopher Lawson, a native of Andalusia, Alabama, serving aboard USS Farragut, completed a port visit to Mobile, Alabama, Feb. 13-17, to take part in the city's annual Mardi Gras celebration.
Lawson graduated from Pleasant Home School in 2017. Lawson later earned a degree from the University of Alabama.
Lessons from home continue to guide Lawson’s leadership.
“Something that has stayed with me from my hometown is the saying, ‘You are only as good as your last 15 minutes,’” Lawson said. “I have carried this with me as I go through my day-to-day tasks, and this has helped me succeed.”
Lawson has served in the Navy for over one year.
“My father served in the Marine Corps,” Lawson said. “Growing up, seeing his example of service put me where I am today.”
Lawson serves aboard Farragut as a division officer.
“My favorite part of being a division officer is supporting my sailors and seeing their successes,” Lawson said.
Farragut is homeported in Mayport, Florida, and assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Southeast. Farragut supports multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities and is capable of conducting sustained combat operations across multiple domains.
Farragut is named after the U.S. Navy’s first admiral, Adm. David Farragut. During the Civil War, Farragut’s final victory was over the Battle of Mobile Bay in Mobile, Alabama, the Confederacy’s last major open port on the Gulf.
As the oldest organized Mardi Gras in the United States, Mobile provides a unique opportunity for sailors aboard Farragut to engage with the local community and showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy.
During the visit, Farragut participated in a variety of events in the community, including marching in Mobile’s historic Floral Parade. In addition to several local outreach events, the warship will offer public tours throughout the week, providing locals and visitors with a unique opportunity to step aboard and learn more about life and operations on a U.S. Navy warship.
Mobile’s annual Mardi Gras celebration with the U.S. Navy has been an ongoing and storied partnership going back over 100 years. Farragut has visited Mobile twice previously during Mardi Gras, and several officers and crew have family ties to this area. These port visits allow crew members to connect with the public they serve, share in national celebrations, and foster pride in their service and dedication.
For Lawson, the most meaningful accomplishments involve supporting sailors.
“My proudest accomplishments in the Navy are when I help get my sailors the help or advocacy they need,” Lawson said. “Whether that is time off to see ailing family or being present for important milestones for their loved ones.”
Lawson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something larger than myself,” Lawson said. “I wake up every day knowing that I am making an impact no matter how small or how difficult my day is. It also allows me to provide opportunities for my family that I would not otherwise be able to give.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Lawson added that support from home makes service possible.
“I could not do what I do without the support of my wife, Tiffany Lawson,” Lawson said.
Lawson graduated from Pleasant Home School in 2017. Lawson later earned a degree from the University of Alabama.
Lessons from home continue to guide Lawson’s leadership.
“Something that has stayed with me from my hometown is the saying, ‘You are only as good as your last 15 minutes,’” Lawson said. “I have carried this with me as I go through my day-to-day tasks, and this has helped me succeed.”
Lawson has served in the Navy for over one year.
“My father served in the Marine Corps,” Lawson said. “Growing up, seeing his example of service put me where I am today.”
Lawson serves aboard Farragut as a division officer.
“My favorite part of being a division officer is supporting my sailors and seeing their successes,” Lawson said.
Farragut is homeported in Mayport, Florida, and assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Southeast. Farragut supports multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities and is capable of conducting sustained combat operations across multiple domains.
Farragut is named after the U.S. Navy’s first admiral, Adm. David Farragut. During the Civil War, Farragut’s final victory was over the Battle of Mobile Bay in Mobile, Alabama, the Confederacy’s last major open port on the Gulf.
As the oldest organized Mardi Gras in the United States, Mobile provides a unique opportunity for sailors aboard Farragut to engage with the local community and showcase the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy.
During the visit, Farragut participated in a variety of events in the community, including marching in Mobile’s historic Floral Parade. In addition to several local outreach events, the warship will offer public tours throughout the week, providing locals and visitors with a unique opportunity to step aboard and learn more about life and operations on a U.S. Navy warship.
Mobile’s annual Mardi Gras celebration with the U.S. Navy has been an ongoing and storied partnership going back over 100 years. Farragut has visited Mobile twice previously during Mardi Gras, and several officers and crew have family ties to this area. These port visits allow crew members to connect with the public they serve, share in national celebrations, and foster pride in their service and dedication.
For Lawson, the most meaningful accomplishments involve supporting sailors.
“My proudest accomplishments in the Navy are when I help get my sailors the help or advocacy they need,” Lawson said. “Whether that is time off to see ailing family or being present for important milestones for their loved ones.”
Lawson serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Serving in the Navy means being a part of something larger than myself,” Lawson said. “I wake up every day knowing that I am making an impact no matter how small or how difficult my day is. It also allows me to provide opportunities for my family that I would not otherwise be able to give.”
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. More information is available here: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Lawson added that support from home makes service possible.
“I could not do what I do without the support of my wife, Tiffany Lawson,” Lawson said.