MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew Temple, a native of Sarasota, Florida, 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.
Temple graduated from Sarasota Military Academy in 2015.
“Growing up, my parents drilled a hard work ethic into my head which, as a kid, seemed annoying,” Temple said. “But as I got older, I'm thankful they did, because it helped me to stand out in a good way at pretty much everything I do.”
Temple has served in the Navy for three years. Temple said family and a love for the ocean influenced the decision to join.
“My dad and my grandfather on my mom's side both served in the Navy, so that definitely plays a big part,” Temple said. “Another big reason, however, is that I've always had a love and appreciation for the ocean. So when I decided to join, the Navy was the clear choice.”
Temple serves aboard Farragut as a fire controlman (Aegis).
“There's a couple of things I love about being in the Navy,” Temple said. “First, I work with a lot of really awesome people from all walks of life, and it's really great to get to learn more about my own country from the viewpoint of others.”
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 Temple, reflecting on accomplishments has been about growth and stepping outside his comfort zone.
“It's hard to think of my proudest accomplishment so far,” Temple said. “The Navy has pushed me so far out of my comfort zone in a lot of areas that things that may seem small to others are big wins for me.”
Temple 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 has probably been the best thing that has happened to me and my family,” Temple said. “Not only do I get to be a part of the 1% who answer the call to protect this country, but it also gives me peace of mind knowing I am part of something greater.”
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.
Temple graduated from Sarasota Military Academy in 2015.
“Growing up, my parents drilled a hard work ethic into my head which, as a kid, seemed annoying,” Temple said. “But as I got older, I'm thankful they did, because it helped me to stand out in a good way at pretty much everything I do.”
Temple has served in the Navy for three years. Temple said family and a love for the ocean influenced the decision to join.
“My dad and my grandfather on my mom's side both served in the Navy, so that definitely plays a big part,” Temple said. “Another big reason, however, is that I've always had a love and appreciation for the ocean. So when I decided to join, the Navy was the clear choice.”
Temple serves aboard Farragut as a fire controlman (Aegis).
“There's a couple of things I love about being in the Navy,” Temple said. “First, I work with a lot of really awesome people from all walks of life, and it's really great to get to learn more about my own country from the viewpoint of others.”
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 Temple, reflecting on accomplishments has been about growth and stepping outside his comfort zone.
“It's hard to think of my proudest accomplishment so far,” Temple said. “The Navy has pushed me so far out of my comfort zone in a lot of areas that things that may seem small to others are big wins for me.”
Temple 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 has probably been the best thing that has happened to me and my family,” Temple said. “Not only do I get to be a part of the 1% who answer the call to protect this country, but it also gives me peace of mind knowing I am part of something greater.”
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.