U.S. Navy Commissions Its Latest Destroyer, USS John Basilone, In New York

The USS John Basilone (DDG 122), a new Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was officially commissioned into the United States Navy during a ceremony in New York on November 9, 2024.

The ship is named after Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, a US Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his courage during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942.

Basilone later died at the Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945 and received the Navy Cross posthumously.

Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, addressed the ceremony, honoring Basilone’s courage and sacrifice. He said that the USS John Basilone would carry on his legacy and honor all those who have served the country. “Basilone’s valor represents the best of America,” Del Toro said.

Admiral Daryl Caudle, US Fleet Forces Command commander, and Lieutenant General Roberta Shea, among others, spoke at the event.

Diane Hawkins, Gunnery Sergeant Basilone’s niece, and Charles F. Krugh, President of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, also shared their thoughts during the ceremony.

Video Credits: USNI News Video/YouTube

Ryan Manion and Amy Looney, the ship’s sponsors, are the leaders of the Travis Manion Foundation, which helps veterans and families of fallen heroes by promoting character development in future generations.

Basilone is the only enlisted Marine to have received both the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross.

Carlos Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, praised Basilone as a true Marine Corps legend. “No Marine showed more perseverance and loyalty than Gunnery Sergeant Basilone,” he said.

The USS John Basilone is a powerful warship, one of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that form the core of the United States Navy’s surface fleet.

These ships are known for their ability to handle a wide range of missions, from peacetime presence to high-stakes national security operations. The ship can fight in the air, on the surface, and even underwater, making it a valuable asset to the Navy.

The commissioning of the USS John Basilone is not just about a new ship; it is about remembering a hero and honoring his sacrifice.

Reference: US Navy