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USS Shoup Receives Visit from Homeport Mayor

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070803-18
Release Date: 8/3/2007 2:46:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Quinn Liford, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Det. Northwest

EVERETT, Wash. (NNS) -- Everett's Mayor Ray Stephanson along with his guest, Pat McClain, toured the USS Shoup (DDG-86), at its homeport, Naval Station Everett Aug. 2.

The tour, given by Shoup’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Mark Johnson, was an opportunity for Stephanson and McClain to meet with Sailors and get to know the ship.

The mayor stepped aboard the ship and was honored by the U.S. Navy tradition of tolling the bells to announce his arrival on board.

“It’s pretty cool, the mayor coming out here to see our ship,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Dustin Woelfle, while standing watch aboard Shoup.

Johnson took the mayor and guest on an hour long tour of the ship’s spaces including combat operations center, galley, main engine room 2, Damage Control Central Station and the ship’s bridge.

Up and down passageways and ladders, the tour covered Shoup from bow to stern and everything in-between. Peeking through portholes and enduring several ladders, the mayor was in good spirits as Johnson kept up a steady stream of information, proudly telling the mayor all about the ship.

“It’s a great thing to be here, because this is a great ship and good people,” said Stephanson, upon the completion of his tour. “I enjoyed the tour and I appreciate all that these young men and women do for us.”

Stephanson believes as a prominent city official of such a busy Navy area, it is important to keep a strong tie to those ships homeported in the area. He was able to strengthen the tie between the city of Everett and the U.S. Navy contingent in the area with visits such as this one. Stephanson was able to meet with Sailors and take an active interest in the well being of those service members stationed in his city.

“I was raised here and I think the fact that such a high-power local focus is on the ship is just excellent,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Robert Lavender. “I didn’t get to actually interface with the mayor, since I’ve been on duty but I still think that it’s pretty great of him to come out and see our ship.”