US Navy commissions latest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS John Basilone

The US Navy has commissioned its newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS John Basilone at a ceremony held in New York.

Commissioning ceremonies, as described by Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the US Navy, are a time-honored tradition dating back to 1775. Now, 249 years later, the USS John Basilone became the 74th ship of its class and the second ship to bear the namesake of John Basilone. The commissioning ceremony took place on November 9, 2024.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are “the backbone” of the USNavy’s surface fleet. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security, providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface, and subsurface.

Moreover, Flight IIA DDGs host dual helicopter hangers, allowing for expanded anti-submarine, anti-surface, and anti-air warfare capabilities through integrated operations with helicopter squadrons.

The mission of CNSP is to man, train, and equip the Surface Force to provide fleet commanders with naval power to control the sea and project power ashore.

Recently, the navy christened USS Patrick Gallagher, the last Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer.