New Guided Missile Destroyer Arrives In S. Florida
FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) - The Navy's newest guided missile destroyer, the USS Jason Dunham, has arrived at Port Everglades ahead of its upcoming commissioning ceremony. The vessel arrived Friday morning from Bath, Maine, where it was built and christened.
"It's a top destroyer, top of the line, the Navy's newest. I'm honored to be on a ship named after a hero," said Lt. JG Allfia Hood.
The 510-foot ship was named after Marine Corporal Jason Dunham who sacrificed himself in order to save others. Dunham threw himself on a live grenade in April 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Karabilah, Iraq. He died eight days later at the age of 22. His selfless and heroic act, which saved the lives of two fellow marines, was honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor in 2006. A piece of his helmet is enshrined in the mast of the warship.
Dunham was the first Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in the Iraq war and the first Marine to be so honored since the Vietnam War.
"We've gotten to know the family. It's been an inspiration to us as we work to build his name on this ship now," said Lt. JG Sam Mitchell.
Navy men and women will spend over a week in South Florida preparing for the commissioning ceremony. For the Chamberlin family, the Dunham's stop in Ft. Lauderdale was a chance to welcome home a family member.
"After 20 years of service, this is pride," said Stephanie Chamberlin who will have a chance to visit with her husband Master Chief Raymond Chamberlin, who is a training master on the ship,
"Sometimes I don't see him. It feels good to see him home now," said the Chamberlin's son Keith.
The vessel and its 380-member crew will be formally inducted into the Navy during an hour-and-a-half-long ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 13th featuring top military brass and state politicians. There will be flag raisings and speeches before an expected crowd of at least 3,000.
"We had an opportunity to work on this for a year and half," said Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler, "You can see the sailors are as happy as they are during Fleet Week."
There will be parties and community service projects for crew members such as hospital and school visits. Tours of the ship will be offered on the day of the commissioning.
The USS Jason Dunham is scheduled to depart Ft. Lauderdale November 15th for Virginia.
