MOBILE, Alabama — Although Mobile’s 2026 Mardi Gras weekend celebration has come and gone, the tradition of seeing an active U.S. warship up close remains an opportunity for visitors early this week.
The USS Farragut (DDG-99), an Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA guided missile destroyer, will be open for public tours through Tuesday, Feb. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST. No reservations are required.
The ship, which arrived Feb. 13, is berthed at Pier 2, Alabama State Docks, 10 N. Water St. It can be accessed on the north side of the Mobile Convention Center.
Combining traditions
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.
During the visit, Farragut crew members have participated in a variety of events in the community, including marching in Mobile’s historic Floral Parade.
Public tours aboard the vessel have provided 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.
Commander Andrew Timpner, commanding officer of USS Farragut, is escorted by Azalea Trail Maids after arrival in Mobile.
The ship’s namesake, Admiral David G. Farragut, has a historic connection with Mobile arising from his leadership during the 1864 Civil War Battle of Mobile Bay, fighting for the Union. He is known for his command “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” during battle.
Building upon that connection, Farragut has visited Mobile twice previously during Mardi Gras, and several officers and crew have family ties to this area.
USS Farragut, commissioned in 2006, is homeported in Mayport, Florida, and assigned to Commander, Naval Surface Group Southeast. The ship supports multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities and is capable of conducting sustained combat operations across multiple domains.
Story contribution credit: Ensign Kobe Nguyen, USS Farragut.
The USS Farragut arrives in Mobile, Feb. 13, 2026. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Morgan Altom)
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