US Navy adds senator John McCain as destroyer namesake

The US Navy included senator John McCain (R-AZ) as the namesake of Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS John S. McCain in a ceremony in Yokosuka, Japan, on July 11.

The destroyer was originally named after senator McCain’s father and grandfather and now honors three generations of McCains dedicated service to the navy and nation.

Admiral John S. McCain (1884-1945), served as a distinguished carrier task force commander of World War II. Admiral John S. McCain, Jr. (1911-1981), served as the former Commander-in-Chief, US Pacific Command. Senator John S. McCain III continued the legacy of service as a naval aviator during the Vietnam War.

“Today, we add the story of Senator John S. McCain to the spirit of the mighty vessel which already carries the legacy of his father and grandfather,” said Navy Secretary Richard Spencer addressing sailors aboard the USS John S. McCain. “As a warrior and a statesman who has always put country first, Sen. John McCain never asked for this honor, and he would never seek it. But we would be remiss if we did not etch his name alongside his illustrious forebears, because this country would not be the same were it not for the courageous service of all three of these great men.”

“I am deeply honored to be added to the name of the naval destroyer USS John S. McCain,” said senator McCain. “My father and grandfather dedicated their entire lives to their naval service. The greatest honor of my life was to serve in the company of heroes, and I look back with incredible gratitude for my formative years in the navy. I hope the generations of sailors who will serve aboard the USS McCain will find the same fulfillment that my family does in serving a cause greater than oneself.”