Alabama Congressman Visits USS Higgins

The crew of the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) welcomed U.S. Congressman Bradly Byrne (R-Ala.) for a tour of the ship to help gain a greater understanding of the operational capabilities of some of the Navy’s platforms, Sept. 30.

Rear Adm. Chris Paul, deputy commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, hosted the tour for Byrne, who represents Alabama’s first congressional district.

The visit to the ship was part of a cross-country tour to visit naval bases in San Diego and Pensacola, Florida with an aim to become familiar with program, personnel, and readiness issues.

During the tour, Byrne visited the pilot house, combat information center, engineering central control station, and a main engine room and viewed topside weapons systems. Crew members provided static displays and information on the specific equipment Higgins uses to conduct operations.

Higgins, homeported at Naval Base San Diego, is currently in the basic phase of training in preparation for future deployments.

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Press Release, October 03, 2014; Image: US Navy