Nearly 150 years after landing in the history books, Farragut’s legacy will return to Mobile Bay in the form of the USS Farragut. The public is encouraged to attend Farragut Day on Mobile Bay on Friday at Fort Morgan State Historic Site.

As this Navy guided missile destroyer travels to Mobile where it will serve as the 2011 Mardi Gras Ship, it will play a key role in a special morning ceremony to honor the historic Navy ship Tecumseh, which sunk during the Battle of Mobile Bay.

Highlights of the program — which should be around 8 a.m. or shortly thereafter — include wreath-laying by Civil War re-enactors, firing of Fort Morgan cannons and a military flyover.

On board the USS Farragut will be approximately 50 members of the Navy League, which is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating our citizens about the importance of the sea power to U.S. national security and supporting the men and women of the sea services and their families.

 “We’ve been waiting 150 years to fire back at Farragut,” said Mike Bailey, Historic Programs Coordinator at Fort Morgan. “We invite the entire community, especially our winter guests, to join us for this special tribute.”

The gates will open at 7 a.m., and admission is $5 for adults, $4 seniors, $3 for children 18 and under and free to those 6 and under. For more information, call the fort at 251-540-7127.