USS McFaul deploys for anti-piracy ops

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Sailors' families gathered at Naval Station Norfolk Sunday morning to say goodbye.

The crew is headed to the Arabian Sea to help with counter piracy operations.

"We're like a Swiss army knife," said Commander Daniel Gillen. "We can do everything, all different areas of warfare, the full spectrum of operations from humanitarian relief to full combat operations."

The ship will spend some time near the pirate-filled Gulf of Aden. But Commander Gillen says his crew is ready.

"There's always risk," said Commander Gillen. "I'm always keeping that in mind. My priority is to bring all 295 of my sailors back safely."

It is not clear exactly when the USS McFaul will return to Naval Station Norfolk, but the crew expects to be at sea for at least six months.