McFaul (DDG 74) - Naval Cruise Book

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The trial process involved a lengthy series of well-co- ordinated element level engi- neering, combat systems and weapons operational demon- strations. The crew and Ingalls personnel diligently test oper- ated and inspected nearly all shipboard equipment over a three day period. These dem- onstrations were designed to ensure that every piece of equipment was checked for proper operation within speci- fications before the Navy ac- cepted the ship from the ship- yard. In the combat systems, weapons and operations areas of the ship, all elements of the AEGIS Weapons System were put to the test. The AN SLQ- 32( V)3 Electronic Warfare Suite was demonstrated as EWC(SW) Hough led his Elec- tronic Warfare specialists in a successful launch of 36 rounds of chaff out of the port and star- board launchers. The CIWS Fire-controlmen, led by PC 1 ( S W ) Williams, successfully fired the forward and aft CIWS gunmounts. Additionally, GMC(SW) Hansen and his Gunnersmates placed ord- nance on target by flawlessly shooting 20 rounds out of the MK45 5 gun mount. The most important test for the Combat Information Center firing team involved an opera- tional demonstration of the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). A Drone launched from Eglin Air Force Base in Florida was successfully engaged by a Standard (SM-2) surface-to-air missile in a true demonstration of McFAUL ' s awesome fire power and combat systems ca- pability. In the Engineenng Depart- ment, continuous systems and equipment checks were the norm throughout the period as aU elements of McFAUL ' s main propulsion, auxiliary, and elec- tncal plant were flexed to peak capacity. The engineenng plant functioned exceptionally well in all areas and offered McFAUL personnel theu- first opportu- nity to see the plant in full op- eration. Of key significance, testmg of the reverse osmosis desalination units demon- strated a significantly in- creased capability for fresh wa- ter production onboard Navy ships, and damage control tests on the collective protection system and counter measure washdown system proved the ability of these systems to pro- tect the crew in a chemical, bio- logical and radiological warfare environment. Additionally, main engine full power and economy trial runs and exten- sive tests of the steering and electrical distribution systems were conducted. In the Supply Department, the Supply Officer, LCDR Skubic, operated the first McFAUL at-sea ship ' s store, selling emblematics for shipnders to raise profits for the McFAUL Morale, Welfare, and Recreation fund. Finally, all areas of habit- ability, including successful operation of the crew ' s mess and galley equipment, were checked, tested and approved. With her first mission at sea completed, McFAUL steamed back into Pascagoula with a very satisfied crew.

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McFAUL Gets its Sea Legs On November 16, !9 ' - ; em- - barked on her maiden oyage, getting underway for the first time under her own power for a very successful Builder ' s Sea frials. On this occasion her crew con- sisted of 65 officers and enlisted members of TEAM McFAUL and hundreds of Ingalls Shipbuilding employees and SUPSHIP rep- resentatives. This trial was specifically de- signed for shipyard and ship ' s force per- sonnel to test and prove McFAUL ' s com- plex engineering and combat systems equipment for the first time at sea. -?ia»iitiTMVj Mm - : ' ■ --

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Moving Aboard On February 23, 1998 official custody of DDG 74 was transferred from Ingalls Shipbuilding to the U. S. Navy. Ingalls officials and McFAUL crew mem- bers gathered on the flight deck to observe the ceremonies. The remarks made by Ingalls President Jerry St. Pe, Deputy Supervisor of Navy Shipbuilding Captain Thomas M. Coumes, and Commander Jackson all had a common theme: the crisis in the Arabian Gulf All who took to the podium agreed that McFAUL was a ship built to fight and that the highly efficient Navy Ingalls team made it all possible. After their remarks, Mr. St. Pe and Commander Jackson signed the necessary paperwork that turned custody of McFAUL over to its officers and crew. In celebration, the first cake prepared by McFAUL ' s own messcooks was cut and served to the crew. 14