Navy Commissions USS Harvey Barnum

New destroyer named after Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A photorealistic painting of a large naval destroyer ship docked at a pier, with the ship's hull and superstructure reflected in the calm waters. The scene is bathed in warm, golden sunlight with deep shadows, creating a cinematic, nostalgic mood.The commissioning of the USS Harvey Barnum honors the legacy of a Vietnam War hero while adding a new capable warship to the U.S. Navy's fleet.Norfolk Today

The U.S. Navy will commission the new guided-missile destroyer USS Harvey Barnum (DDG 124) on April 11, 2026 in Norfolk, Virginia. The ship is named after Harvey Barnum Jr., a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient who later served as Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

Why it matters

The commissioning of a new Navy destroyer is an important event that showcases the service's ongoing modernization efforts. Naming the ship after a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and former Navy official also honors the military service and leadership of Harvey Barnum Jr.

The details

The USS Harvey Barnum is a guided-missile destroyer that will join the U.S. Navy's fleet. It is the 74th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be commissioned. The ship's namesake, Harvey Barnum Jr., received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War in 1965 and later served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy from 1976 to 1981.

  • The USS Harvey Barnum (DDG 124) will be commissioned on April 11, 2026 in Norfolk, Virginia.

The players

USS Harvey Barnum (DDG 124)

A new guided-missile destroyer that will join the U.S. Navy's fleet.

Harvey Barnum Jr.

A Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient who later served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy from 1976 to 1981.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The commissioning ceremony for the USS Harvey Barnum will take place on April 11, 2026 in Norfolk, Virginia.

The takeaway

The commissioning of the USS Harvey Barnum honors the military service and leadership of its namesake, Vietnam War hero Harvey Barnum Jr., while also representing the U.S. Navy's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet of warships.