Navy Commissions New Destroyer Named After Medal of Honor Recipient

The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. joins the fleet as the first ship to bear the name of the retired Marine colonel.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A cinematic painting of the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. guided-missile destroyer, with the ship's silhouette bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of reverence and patriotism.The commissioning of the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. marks the addition of a powerful new warship to the Navy's fleet, honoring the legacy of a decorated Marine Corps veteran.Norfolk Today

The U.S. Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG-124), was commissioned into active service during a ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on April 11, 2026. The ship is named after a Medal of Honor recipient and retired Marine Corps colonel who was present for the commissioning.

Why it matters

The commissioning of the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. honors the legacy of a highly decorated Marine officer and represents the Navy's commitment to maintaining a strong, technologically advanced fleet capable of addressing modern threats across all domains.

The details

The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. is the first Navy vessel to bear the name of the retired Marine colonel, who received the Medal of Honor for his heroism during the Vietnam War. Barnum was involved in the ship's construction and was present for key milestones, including the keel laying, christening, and a test firing of the 5-inch gun. The ship is designed to detect, track, and defeat threats across air, surface, and subsurface domains, while also providing ballistic missile defense and long-range strike capability.

  • The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. was commissioned into active service on April 11, 2026.
  • Barnum received the Medal of Honor on December 18, 1965 for his actions during the Vietnam War.

The players

USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG-124)

The U.S. Navy's newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, named after a Medal of Honor recipient and retired Marine Corps colonel.

Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr.

A retired Marine Corps officer and Medal of Honor recipient whose name is now carried by the Navy's newest destroyer.

Gen. Eric Smith

Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Martha E. Hill

The ship's sponsor and wife of retired Marine Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr.

Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby

A senior Navy officer who spoke at the commissioning ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“All the hard work, the hours and hours of training, and the separation from your families was not for nothing. You have prepared this warship, the newest warship in the fleet. Mission accomplished, bravo zulu, charge on.”

— Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr., Retired Marine Corps officer and Medal of Honor recipient

“I don't know where we get individuals like Barney Barnum, but we're damn lucky to have them. That is the stuff that legends are made of.”

— Gen. Eric Smith, Commandant of the Marine Corps

“May this ship always be a force of peace through strength. May her crew return home safe from every mission, and may the values she represents endure for generations.”

— Martha E. Hill, Ship's sponsor and wife of Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr.

“Your consistent involvement as the ship's namesake, and your close relationship with the ship's crew is important and will influence them well into the future. Your presence gives this crew a unique and powerful connection to the legacy they are inheriting and have an honor of continuing.”

— Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James Kilby

What’s next

The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. will now join the Navy's fleet of Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, ready to carry out a range of missions around the world.

The takeaway

The commissioning of the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. is a testament to the enduring legacy of heroism and service exemplified by its namesake, Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr. This new destroyer will continue to uphold the values of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps as it sails the seas, protecting American interests and promoting peace through strength.