NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA, Fla. - PCU Forrest Sherman (DDG 98), the Navy’s newest guided-missile destroyer, arrived at Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola Jan. 21, one week prior to its commissioning on Jan. 28, to make final preparations for the ceremony.

Forrest Sherman has also participated in events and activities at NAS Pensacola and downtown Pensacola.

“Leading up to the commissioning, there have been some social activities, such as a reception and a base community relations beach clean-up event, that have been arranged for the crew, courtesy of Naval Air Station Pensacola, the city of Pensacola and the Pensacola Navy League,” said PCU Forrest Sherman's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Michael G. Van Durick. “We certainly do appreciate the hospitality extended to us, and we’re participating to give back at little bit in that way.”

During the week, the Arleigh Burke-class ship is rehearsing for commissioning day. The ship has hosted members of the commissioning committee, Navy League and Chamber of Commerce, and invited local area media aboard for a designated Media Day.

Forrest Sherman has also provided tours for active-duty personnel from area tenant commands and local Naval Junior Reserve Officer Corps units. The ship will host a reception for special invited guests the evening of Jan. 27.

“The base (NAS Pensacola) has been rolling out the red carpet for us while we’ve been here,” said Lt. j.g. Barry McConnell, Forrest Sherman's navigator and legal officer. “They’re making us feel at home and extending whatever hospitality they can.”

Many crew members attended a reception at Pensacola’s premier entertainment and dining complex at Seville Quarter, and the Sailors have utilized the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) facilities aboard base, and enjoyed the convenient MWR pier side food and beverages services, to include a covered canopy dining area, vending machines and broadcast music.

“We’ve also been working on shining up the ship, taking care of those little things, making sure we put on the best show possible for Pensacola,” said Van Durick. “It’s an honor being commissioning CO of the Navy’s finest warship, and to have our commissioning at NAS Pensacola.”

Forrest Sherman Sailors such as Chief Electrician's Mate Luis Gonzalez, the assistant safety officer, take pride in serving aboard as plankowners.

“It’s an honor to be serving as a plank owner of this ship, something we can take with us wherever we go. We’re trying to show that we’re proud of our ship with the daily maintenance/upkeep while in port here,” said Gonzalez.