By Lt. j.g. Taylor Worley, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Chief Petty Officer John Loeffler, a native of Robertsdale, 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.
Loeffler graduated from Robertsdale High School in 2004.
“My hometown is very proud, patriotic, and full of hardworking people with a lot of military service,” Loeffler said. “It is an honor to say I am from Robertsdale, Alabama.”
Loeffler has served in the Navy for 18 years. Loeffler said family influence played a major role in the decision to join.
“I joined the Navy for a career and to see the world,” Loeffler said. “I chose the Navy because my father was in the Navy, and as a kid, I loved hearing his story from his time in.”
Loeffler serves aboard Farragut as an information systems technician.
“My favorite part about being an information systems technician is we are responsible for all the communications onboard the ship,” Loeffler said. “I find the fact that we can connect to a satellite in space and talk to someone on the other side of the world fascinating.”
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 offered 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 Loeffler, one accomplishment stands out in the military service.
“My proudest accomplishment in the Navy was making chief petty officer and being able to teach sailors how to be information systems technicians at Corry Station,” Loeffler said.
Loeffler serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“My time in the Navy has meant a lot to me,” Loeffler said. “I have been able to serve my country all over the world. The pride that my family has in me when they get to talk about what I do is a surreal moment and something humbles me.”
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.