Huntington Ingalls Christens US Navy’s New Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer as John Finn

On Saturday, May 2^nd, the John Finn (DDG 113) was launched at the Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) shipyard. The US Navy assigned the name John Finn to the Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51), one of their newest guided missile destroyers. This name was in remembrance of a Medal of Honor recipient, John Finn, who showed “magnificent courage in the face of almost certain death.”

He fought in Hawaii during the Japanese attacks. Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Mike Stevens hopes that this name will reflect a quiet, humble and observant leader, which he believes that this fleet will embody this message. In order for the launch to take place, the 637-foot floating dock was flooded and slowly submerged under water. The ship was then pulled south with tugs so that the Navy could continue testing and eventual activation.

Captain Mark Vandroff, class program manager of the DDG 51, stated, “This is the first DDG 51 class ship to launch in almost four years and we're both proud and excited with the progress the program is making. I look forward to John Finn joining the fleet and the other ships of her class to continue in the legacy of success that is the Arleigh Burke destroyer."

Equipped with the Aegis Combat System, John Finn is ready to fulfill difficult missions and rough weather conditions. Further capabilities include anti-submarine warfare, command and control, anti-surface warfare, and advantages in the air, undersea, surface, and ballistic missile defense.

Captain Vandroff further said, “DDG 51 production is in full swing at the shipyard. The Navy and shipbuilder are working closely together to ensure continued quality and value as production continues on the restart ships." The Navy anticipates a bright future for John Finn, and they hope that this fleet can uphold its great name.

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