Navy's Newest Destroyer USS Jason Dunham Enters the Fleet

The Maritime Executive ^ | November 13, 2010 | Staff

[jazusamo]

Saturday, November 13th, 2010

Under blue skies and the Florida sun, the Navy's newest Arleigh Burke Class Aegis Guided Missile Destroyer the USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) was commissioned today in Port Everglades, entering full status as a ship of the United States Navy.

Deb Dunham, ship sponsor and mother of Marine Corps Corporal Jason Dunham, stood on deck as she gave the command to “Man the Ship and Bring Her to Life!” Dan Dunham, father of Corporal Dunham, set the first watch and passed the long glass to LTJG Andrew Gray. The watch, which will now continue for the entire period of time the ship is in service, will ensure the safety and security of the ship and its crew.

Six weeks earlier, Deb and Dan stood on the bridge of the ship on a cloudy overcast day as it left Bath Iron Works, Maine where the ship was constructed to begin its journey to Port Everglades. Today the ship and her crew stand ready to continue to fulfill Corporal Jason Dunham’s mission of protecting the United States.

Keynote speaker General James F. Amos, Commandant of the Marine Corps, stated “Dan and Deb Dunham, none of this would have been possible without you. You have borne the heaviest burden – the sacrifice of a son. But Jason’s actions will not be forgotten. Your son – honored through this ship – stands together with the greatest men and women in our Nation’s history. Thank you for all you have given and all you continue to give. You embody all that is great in our American Family.”

Under Secretary of the Navy, Robert Work, placed the USS Jason Dunham into service and Commander Scott Sciretta assumed command of the ship.

Corporal Jason L. Dunham, 22, of Scio, N.Y. selflessly sacrificed his life in Iraq on April 14, 2004. Corporal Dunham was attacked by an insurgent and while the two wrestled, the assailant released a grenade. Corporal Dunham jumped on the grenade, covering it with his body and Kevlar helmet. His spontaneous action saved the lives of two fellow Marines. Dunham was mortally wounded from the blast and died eight days later at Bethesda Naval Hospital. President George W. Bush posthumously awarded Corporal Dunham the Medal of Honor. He was the first Marine Medal of Honor recipient for Operation Iraqi Freedom and the first Marine to receive the medal since the Vietnam War.

[A.A. Cunningham]

You are welcome.

[A.A. Cunningham]

Naval tradition stemming from the days when telescopes, aka long glass, were used during the watch for observation. Whenever a Navy ship is commissioned giving of the long glass signifies setting of the first watch and thus placing the ship into service.

Lt. Cmdr. George Brickhouse, assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) accepts a long glass symbolizing the setting of the first watch from former President George H.W. Bush during the shipÕs commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Bush delivered the keynote address at the commissioning. The Navy's newest, and final, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier is named after the World War II naval aviator and 41st president of the United States. U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Micah P. Blechner

[ops33]

Thank you very much for the info.

[freema]

Thanks for the ping, jaz. Will you hit the list, Race?

[A.A. Cunningham]

You are welcome.

[jazusamo]

You’re more than welcome, Ma, good to “see” you!

[RaceBannon]

Dont have it with me!

I am away from my desk and wont have the real computer for weeks!

[RaceBannon]

I guess that’s why they named a ship that gets shot at after a medal of honor winner...instead of being named after Schenectady or some other city...

[Forty-Niner]

“....instead of being named after Schenectady or some other city...”

A friend of mine is/was a Plank Holder for ths USS Schenectady....comissioned ~ 1970.... LST 1185.....I understand that the ship was made into razor blades a couple of years ago.....

[jch10]

Wonderful pictures....priceless!
Thanks for sharing.

[RaceBannon]

LOL!!

I was on the Lamoure County, LST 1194, for Northern Wedding, Bold Guard 1978

[RaceBannon]

PING LIST!!

[clintonh8r]

Thanks for the ping.

I was at the commissioning. It was outstanding. Coincidentally, I was also at the commissioning of the USS Cole, which I believe is the only other US Navy ship to be named for a Marine.

[clintonh8r]

Thanks for the post. I was there too!

[AZ .44 MAG]

“Man the Ship and Bring Her to Life”

Godspeed and good hunting.

[RaceBannon]

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4RNTN_enUS338US338&q=uss+puller

Chesty Puller, to name another one! :)

[clintonh8r]

You know, I was wondering just the other day if a ship had been named for Chesty. Thanks!

[2nd Bn, 11th Mar]

Slightly on-topic, it’s gotta be a real hoot to take a brand new warship out to sea!

Every one I was on a few decades old.

Semper Fi,