Navy to commission USS John Basilone (DDG 122) in New York

The U.S. Navy has announced that a commissioning ceremony will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, for the USS John Basilone (DDG 122) at the Navy’s commissioning pier in New York. The USS John Basilone is the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. The vessel was built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW), Bath, Maine, and delivered to the Navy on July 8.

The principal speaker at the ceremony will be Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro. Other key speakers will include Admiral Daryl Caudle, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and Lieutenant General Roberta Shea, Commanding General of Fleet Marine Force Atlantic, among others. 

The Navy statement noted the ceremony will be streamed live on the DVIDS platform, starting approximately 10 minutes before the event at 9:50 a.m. EST.

 The USS John Basilone is named in honor of U.S. Marine Corps Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, a decorated World War II hero. Basilone’s actions during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942 earned him the Medal of Honor, while his valor during the battle for Iwo Jima in 1945 earned him the Navy Cross. Basilone remains the only enlisted Marine to receive both of these prestigious awards. He was killed in action on Iwo Jima in February 1945. This is the second U.S. Navy ship to bear his name.

These ships are known for their multi-mission capabilities, with roles ranging from providing peacetime presence to engaging in combat operations. The USS John Basilone features advanced systems for air, surface, and subsurface warfare, making it a versatile platform for the Navy. 

This destroyer is powered by four General Electric LM 2500-30 gas turbines, providing a combined 100,000-hp. The  513’x66’ vessel has a displacement ranging from 8,230 to 9,700 tons, depending on the variant. It can reach speeds in excess of 30 knots. Crew capacities for the USS John Basilone (DDG 122) include 329 personnel, including 32 officers, 27 chief petty officers, and 270 enlisted sailors.

 Armament aboard the ship includes the standard missile family, vertical launch ASROC missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and six MK-46 torpedoes from two triple-tube mounts. It is also equipped with a Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) for point defense, a 5-inch MK 45 gun, and the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM). The ship is capable of operating two MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, enhancing its anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities.