MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 1st Class Ryan Straughan, a native of Bossier City, Louisiana, 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.
Sailors aboard the ship brought with them the experiences and hometown pride that shape their naval service.
Straughan graduated from Airline High School in 2008.
“When growing up, my father taught me the value of hard work and having integrity,” Straughan said. “Those two things have been instrumental in my success in the Navy.”
Straughan has served in the Navy for over 15 years.
“Lacking some direction in life, I decided to join the Navy to serve my country and to experience something new,” Straughan said.
Straughan serves aboard Farragut as an intelligence specialist.
“My favorite part of being an intelligence specialist is supporting my sailors and seeing their successes,” Straughan 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 Straughan, the most meaningful accomplishments involve supporting sailors.
“I am most proud when I see the sailors I’ve mentored throughout my career succeed,” Straughan said. “Additionally, I am proud of what I do every day as the ship’s intelligence officer onboard USS Farragut, making sure she is ready to fight and win at war.”
Staughan 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 gave purpose to my life when I felt like I had none,” Straughan said. “Being in the Navy has helped shape me into the man, husband, and father I am today.”
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.
Sailors aboard the ship brought with them the experiences and hometown pride that shape their naval service.
Straughan graduated from Airline High School in 2008.
“When growing up, my father taught me the value of hard work and having integrity,” Straughan said. “Those two things have been instrumental in my success in the Navy.”
Straughan has served in the Navy for over 15 years.
“Lacking some direction in life, I decided to join the Navy to serve my country and to experience something new,” Straughan said.
Straughan serves aboard Farragut as an intelligence specialist.
“My favorite part of being an intelligence specialist is supporting my sailors and seeing their successes,” Straughan 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 Straughan, the most meaningful accomplishments involve supporting sailors.
“I am most proud when I see the sailors I’ve mentored throughout my career succeed,” Straughan said. “Additionally, I am proud of what I do every day as the ship’s intelligence officer onboard USS Farragut, making sure she is ready to fight and win at war.”
Staughan 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 gave purpose to my life when I felt like I had none,” Straughan said. “Being in the Navy has helped shape me into the man, husband, and father I am today.”
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.