A toast to my SWO friends-DDG-51 class longest U.S. warship production run (almost)

[HeyJoe]

041207-N-5613J-002 Charleston, S.C. (Dec. 7, 2004) - The guided missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) prepares to moor on board Naval Weapons Station Charleston, S.C. James E. Williams will be commissioned Saturday, Dec. 11th, as the 45th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer authorized by Congress. The ship honors Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class James E. Williams, the Navy's highest decorated enlisted Sailor, having been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery and leadership in 1966 while serving as patrol boat captain and patrol commander of River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 on the Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam. U.S. Navy photo by Bart Jackson (RELEASED)

041209-N-3019M-003 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Dec. 9, 2004) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70) and her crew of more than 325 Sailors, returns to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, following a six-month deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The ship left Pearl Harbor June 28th, as part of the USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3) Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) and spent most of her time in the 5TH Fleet area of responsibility conducting anti-smuggling, anti-piracy and anti-terrorism operations. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Ryan C. McGinley (RELEASED)

050207-N-3019M-005 Pearl Harbor, Hawaii (Feb. 7, 2005) - Sailors man the rails aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS O’Kane (DDG 77) as she leaves Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a scheduled deployment. O’Kane deployed as part of the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group, which left San Diego, Calif., Feb. 1 2005, on an around-the-world deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Ryan C. McGinley (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

041211-N-3768B-002 Charleston, S.C. (Dec. 11, 2004) – Sailors enact the longstanding Naval tradition of “manning the rails” after “bringing the ship to life” aboard the newly commissioned guided missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) at the Naval Weapons Station in Charleston, S.C. The ship honors Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class James E. Williams, one of the Navy's most highly decorated enlisted Sailors, having been awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery and leadership in 1966 while serving as patrol boat captain and patrol commander of River Patrol Boat (PBR) 105 on the Mekong River, Republic of Vietnam. James E. Williams will be commissioned Saturday, Dec. 11th, as the 45th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer authorized by Congress. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class Jim Brown (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

041112-N-0024B-002 Bath, Maine (Nov. 12, 2004) – The Arleigh Burke Flight IIA-class guided missile destroyer PCU Bainbridge (DDG 96) shown in dry dock at the Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine. Some new features of the Flight IIA-class critical to littoral war fighting effectiveness include the incorporation of embarked helicopters (SH-60), an organic mine-huntin
g capability and the introduction of area theater ballistic missile defense capabilities to protect near coastal airfields and seaports essential to the flow of forces into theater in time of conflict. U.S. Navy Photo (RELEASED)

041112-N-0024B-004 Bath, Maine (Nov. 12, 2004) – The Arleigh Burke Flight IIA-class guided missile destroyer PCU Bainbridge (DDG 96) shown during float-off from the dry dock at the Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine. Some new features of the Flight IIA-class critical to littoral war fighting effectiveness include the incorporation of embarked helicopters (SH-60), an organic mine-hunting capability and the introduction of area theater ballistic missile defense capabilities to protect near coastal airfields and seaports essential to the flow of forces into theater in time of conflict. U.S. Navy Photo (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

090616-N-2638R-002 PACIFIC OCEAN (June 16, 2009) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62), USS Stethem (DDG 63), USS Howard (DDG 83) and USS Gridley (DDG 101) are underway in the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Reckard/Released)

090906-N-5749W-077 GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 6, 2009) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) is underway in t he Gulf of Oman. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Lex T. Wenberg/Released)

090906-N-4995K-213 GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 6, 2009) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) transits alongside the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during a fueling at sea, an evolution used in routine and emergency situations to fuel ships in the strike group. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Kennedy/Released)

080413-N-1635S-004 PACIFIC OCEAN (April 13, 2008) The guided-missile destroyer USS Gridley (DDG 101) and the guided-missile frigate USS Thach (FFG 43) follow behind the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during a simulated straits transit. The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group is conducting Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) preparing for a deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Scott (Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

091107-N-1251W-079 DA NANG, Vietnam (Nov. 7, 2009) Cmdr. H. B. Le, commanding officer of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82), shares a laugh with Ensign Michael Quaglino as Lassen nears Da Nang, Vietnam. Le escaped Vietnam with his family during the Vietnam conflict in 1975 and is returning to Vietnam for the first time. Lassen is joining the amphibious command ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) in Da Nang for a scheduled port visit. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew R. White/Released)

091117-N-1644H-327 PACIFIC OCEAN (Nov. 17, 2009) The guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) is underway in the Pacific Ocean. Ships from the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are participating in Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX 21G), a bilateral exercise designed to enhance the capabilities of both naval forces. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class John M. Hageman/Released)

091107-N-7280V-386 DA NANG, Vietnam (Nov. 7, 2009) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) anchors during a scheduled port visit in Da Nang. Cmdr. H.B. Le, commanding officer of Lassen is visiting Vietnam for the first time since he and his family fled the country in 1975. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Daniel Viramontes/Released)

 

[HeyJoe]

050305-N-3527B-001 Norfolk, Va. (Mar. 5, 2005) - A port-beam view of the U.S. Navy's newest guided missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) during her commissioning ceremony held on board Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Nitze is the 44th ship in the Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers and honors former Secretary of the Navy Paul H. Nitze. This highly capable multi-mission ship can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of the National Military Strategy. Nitze is capable of fighting air, surface, and subsurface battles simultaneously. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Timothy M. Bensken (RELEASED)

050305-N-9013W-004 Norfolk, Va. (Mar. 5, 2005) – Sailors board the U.S. Navy’s newest Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) as they “bring her to life,” during the ship’s commissioning ceremony held on board Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Nitze is the 44th ship in the Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers and honors former Secretary of the Navy Paul H. Nitze. This highly capable multi-mission ship can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, in support of the National Military Strategy. Nitze is capable of fighting air, surface, and subsurface battles simultaneously. U.S. Navy photo by Photographers Mate 2nd Class Laurie L. Wood (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

050305-N-4158S-001 Atlantic Ocean (Mar. 5, 2005) – The guided missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78), right, participates in a pass in review formation during divisional tactics training along with the guided missile destroyers USS McFaul (DDG 74), USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and USS Cole (DDG 67), and the guided missile cruisers USS Cape St. George (CG 71) and USS Anzio (CG 68). The destroyers and cruisers are assigned to Commander, Carrier Strike Group Twelve. U.S. Navy photo by Lt.j.g. Caleb Swigart (RELEASED)

050325-N-4584T-098 Red Sea (Mar. 25, 2005) - A MH-60S Seahawk helicopter, assigned to the "Chargers" of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six (HS-6), flies near the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) during a vertical replenishment with USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group was recently relieved after completing nearly four months in the Persian Gulf in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Rome J Toledo (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

050328-N-9851B-009 Yokosuka, Japan (Mar. 28, 2005) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) returns to her forward deployed operating base, Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, after completing a regularly scheduled underway period. While underway, John S. McCain participated in Reception, Staging, Onward movement, and Integration (RSO&I) and Foal Eagle exercises. RSO&I is a complex multi-phase exercise conducted annually, tailored to train, test, and demonstrate United States and Republic of Korea force projection and deployment capabilities. Foal Eagle exercise runs simultaneously and trains in all aspects of Combined Forces Command's mission. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John L. Beeman (RELEASED)

050413-N-5526M-016 Persian Gulf (Apr. 13, 2005) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) underway in the Northern Persian Gulf while conducting Maritime Security Operations. U.S. and Coalition forces plan and execute maritime security operations (MSO) to deny terrorists use of the maritime environment in the Northern Persian Gulf. MSO's have a multi-layered security posture utilizing a variety of assets to detect, disrupt and destroy terrorist attempts to harm the infrastructure of Iraq. This includes the security and normalization of commercial shipping into and out of Iraq and the Khor Al Amaya and Al Basrah Oil Terminals. Mustin is currently deployed with the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Carrier Strike Group, currently on a scheduled deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Robert McRill (RELEASED)

050403-N-0535P-001 Mediterranean Sea (Apr. 3, 2005) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) cruises along side the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) during a refueling at sea. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group was recently relieved after completing nearly four months in the Persian Gulf in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Jay C. Pugh (RELEASED)

050411-N-6363M-002 Atlantic Ocean (Apr. 11, 2005) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) underway in the Atlantic Ocean. Barry, assigned to the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group, was recently relieved after completing nearly four months in the Persian Gulf in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Philip V. Morrill (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

050520-N-9851B-009 Shimoda, Japan (May 20, 2005) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) sits at anchor in full dress in Shimoda Bay, honoring the 66th annual Black Ship Festival, which commemorates the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry, 150 years ago, opening Japan to the west. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class John L. Beeman (RELEASED)

050506-N-2636M-044 San Diego Calif. (May 06, 2005) – The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76), departs its homeport of San Diego to begin a scheduled six-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. Higgins is deploying with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Kleynia R. McKnight (RELEASED)

050614-N-0000X-002 Kennebec River (June 14, 2005) – The Arleigh Burke Flight IIA-class guided missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) shown conducting a missile exercise (MISSILEX). Some new features of the Flight IIA-class critical to littoral war fighting effectiveness include the incorporation of embarked helicopters (SH-60), an organic mine-hunting capability and the introduction of area theater ballistic missile defense capabilities to protect near coastal airfields and seaports essential to the flow of forces into theater in time of conflict. U.S. Navy photo (RELEASED)

050606-N-0000C-002 Faslane, Scotland (June 6, 2005) – The guided missile destroyer USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) departs Clyde Naval Base in Faslane, Scotland. Arleigh Burke is currently participating in the Joint Maritime Course, a multinational NATO exercise being conducted off the coast of Scotland. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Dave Cullen (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

050730-N-3672K-188 San Diego, Calif. (July 30, 2005) - Commander 3rd Fleet, Vice Adm. Barry M. Costello, addresses the crew and guests during the commissioning ceremony of the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Halsey (DDG 97). The ceremony marked the formal entrance of the guided missile destroyer into the fleet. The ship was named after U.S. Naval Academy graduate Fleet Adm. William "Bull" Halsey Jr., who commanded South Pacific Force and South Pacific Area during World War II. Halsey is capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and the ship contains a number of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century. U.S. Navy photo by Lithographer's Mate 1st Class John P. Kass (RELEASED)

050729-N-4541B-001 San Diego (July 29, 2005) – The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) moored at Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, Calif., the day prior to being commissioned as the U.S. Navy’s newest ship. Halsey honors U.S. Naval Academy graduate Fleet Adm. William “Bull” Halsey Jr., who commanded South Pacific Force and South Pacific Area during World War II. Halsey is the 47th ship of 62 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Halsey will be capable of fighting air, surface, and subsurface battles simultaneously. The ship contains a number of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Gloria J. Barry (RELEASED)

050730-N-3672K-294 San Diego, Calif. (July 30, 2005) - Sailors assigned to the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Halsey (DDG 97) “man the ship” as they bring the ship to life during the ship's commissioning ceremony. The ceremony marked the formal entrance of the guided missile destroyer into the fleet. The ship was named after U.S. Naval Academy graduate Fleet Adm. William "Bull" Halsey Jr., who commanded South Pacific Force and South Pacific Area during World War II. Halsey is capable of fighting air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously and the ship contains a number of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century. U.S. Navy photo by Lithographer's Mate 1st Class John P. Kass (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

060117-N-7842G-016 Pacific Ocean (Jan. 17, 2006) - The Arleigh-Burke class destroyer USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) prepares for an underway replenishment off the coast of Southern California. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Mary E. Guiney (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

051020-N-9362D-001 Persian Gulf (Oct. 20, 2005) - The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) underway in the Persian Gulf. Oscar Austin and Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Two are underway on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations. MSO is aimed at setting the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Randall Damm (RELEASED)

051020-N-9362D-012 Persian Gulf (Oct. 20, 2005) – An HH-60H Seahawk helicopter prepares to land on the flight deck of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Oscar Austin (DDG 79) while underway in the Persian Gulf. Oscar Austin and Destroyer Squadron Twenty-Two are underway on a regularly scheduled deployment conducting maritime security operations. MSO is aimed at setting the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Randall Damm (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

060208-N-0780F-011 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Feb. 08, 2006) – Sailors assigned to the guided missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) man the rails as the ship arrives in Souda Bay for a routine port visit. Roosevelt is the 30th ship in the Arleigh Burke-class of destroyers. Roosevelt is currently on a surge deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Paul Farley (RELEASED)

060208-N-0780F-001 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Feb. 08, 2006) - Guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) is escorted by harbor security patrol boat as the ship arrives for a routine port visit. Roosevelt is the 30th ship in the Arleigh Burke-class of destroyers. Roosevelt is currently on a surge deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Paul Farley (RELEASED)

060208-N-0780F-006 Souda Bay, Crete, Greece (Feb. 08, 2006) - A Sailor stationed aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) throws a heaving line to the pier during mooring operations as the ship arrive for a routine port visit. Roosevelt is the 30th ship in the Arleigh Burke-class of destroyers. Roosevelt is currently on a surge deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Mr. Paul Farley (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

060203-N-8907D-082 Norfolk, Va. (Feb. 3, 2006) - The guided missile destroyer USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) prepares to pull into its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk. The newest of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Forrest Sherman is a highly capable multi-mission ship that can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to control and power projection in support of national military strategy. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Apprentice David Danals (RELEASED)

 

[HeyJoe]

060412-N-7981E-132 Pacific Ocean (April 12, 2006)- Ensign Justin Hall makes status reports to the bridge while standing watch as Helicopter Control Officer during flight operations aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86). Shoup is currently underway in the Western Pacific area of operations conducting a scheduled deployment. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman James R. Evans (RELEASED)

060411-N-9851B-013 Pacific Ocean (April 11, 2006) - Boatswain's Mate Seaman Charles Holmes mans the helm aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) as the ship gets underway for a Friends and Family Day cruise. McCain is homeported at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s mate 2nd Class John L. Beeman (RELEASED)

060411-N-7981E-003 Pacific Ocean (April 11, 2006) - Gas Turbine Systems Technician 2nd Class Rondell Bethelmy makes speed adjustments from the propulsion plant auxiliary control console aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer (DDG 86) USS Shoup during a propulsion plant casualty control drill. Shoup is currently underway in the Western Pacific operating area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman James R. Evans (RELEASED)

060410-N-7981E-042 Pacific Ocean (April 10, 2006) - Gunner's Mate Seaman Ernest Quinones mans an M2HB twin .50 Caliber Machine Gun as the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86) departs Hong Kong Harbor. Shoup is currently underway in the Western Pacific operating area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman James R. Evans (RELEASED)

060418-N-7981E-021 Pacific Ocean (April 18, 2006) - Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Michael West cleans the barrel of an MK-45 5-inch/54-caliber gun on the foc'sle of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Shoup (DDG 86). Shoup is currently underway in the Western Pacific operating area. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman James R. Evans (RELEASED)