USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. to Be Commissioned, Honoring Connecticut Medal of Honor Recipient

The U.S. Navy will commission the new Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer named after a Connecticut native who received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:20pm

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A cinematic painting of the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. guided-missile destroyer reflected in the calm waters of a harbor, bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conceptually representing the intersection of military tradition, service history, and present-day readiness.The commissioning of the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. will honor a Connecticut veteran's heroic actions in combat and preserve the Navy's tradition of linking a ship's identity to its namesake.Norfolk Today

The U.S. Navy will commission the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) on April 11, 2026, in Norfolk, Virginia, honoring a Connecticut native whose actions in combat during the Vietnam War earned him the Medal of Honor. The ship's sponsor will be Barnum's wife, Martha Hill, who will give the order to 'man our ship and bring her to life!' at the ceremony.

Why it matters

The commissioning of the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. reflects the Navy's effort to link a ship's identity with the life and service of its namesake, honoring Barnum's heroic actions in combat and connecting his legacy to the modern capabilities of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.

The details

On December 18, 1965, then-1st Lieutenant Barnum assumed command of his company after the commander was mortally wounded. Barnum 'moved fearlessly through deadly fire to lead air attacks against the enemy's well-entrenched positions while directing one platoon in a successful counterattack on key positions.' After securing a small area, Barnum directed helicopters to evacuate the wounded and deceased and continued the advance to seize the battalion's objective.

  • The keel-laying ceremony for the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. was in 2021.
  • The ship will be commissioned on April 11, 2026 in Norfolk, Virginia.
  • The Navy is commemorating 250 years of contributions to national defense this year, coinciding with the United States' semi-quincentennial.

The players

Harvey Curtiss 'Barney' Barnum Jr.

A U.S. Marine Corps Col. and Medal of Honor recipient recognized for his actions during the Vietnam War. Barnum is among the few living service members to witness the commissioning of a ship named in his honor.

Martha Hill

The ship's sponsor and Barnum's wife, who will give the order to 'man our ship and bring her to life!' at the commissioning ceremony.

U.S. Navy

The service branch that will commission the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.

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What’s next

Following the commissioning ceremony, the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. will be homeported at Naval Station Norfolk.

The takeaway

The commissioning of the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. not only honors the heroic actions of a Connecticut native during the Vietnam War, but also represents the Navy's broader effort to connect a ship's identity to the life and service of its namesake, preserving military history and tradition.