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A new General Dynamics-built destroyer is one step closer to joining the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke Class fleet following a christening ceremony.
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The future USS John Basilone (DDG 122) was officially christened at a ceremony on Saturday, 18 June at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.
The ship’s namesake, Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism displayed in the Battle of Guadalcanal during World War II, leading his heavy machine gun sections in defence of a critical position.
Basilone was also recognised for single-handedly destroying an enemy blockhouse and leading a Marine tank safely through a minefield during the Battle of Iwo Jima in February of 1944.
"The future USS John Basilone will serve as a constant reminder of the immense impact that actions taken by any one sailor or marine can truly have,” Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said.
“Gunnery Sgt. Basilone is a national hero, and this ship and crew will honour his legacy for decades to come.”
The christening of USS John Basilone follows the commissioning of the USS Frank E Petersen Jr (DDG 121) last month.
Arleigh Burke Class destroyers form the basis of the US Navy’s surface fleet, designed to conduct a variety of operations, including peacetime presence to national security, providing multi-threat air, surface and subsurface domain missions.
The 509.5 feet-long ships weigh nearly 9,500-tonnes, have a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet.
[Related: US Navy commissions Arleigh Burke destroyer]
