Category Archives: People

Arleigh Burke Change of Command

Commander Tyrchra Bowman relieved Commander Peter Flynn as Commanding Officer on Thursday, Aug 24, 2023.

Fair Winds and Following Seas to Commander Flynn, who led the ship through successful second and third FDNF-E deployments. We look forward to continued success of Arleigh Burke under the leadership of Commander Bowman.

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CAPT Robinson takes command of USS Normandy (CG 60)

Capt Errol Robinson
Capt Robinson & Capt Chase with RADM Huffman, Commander Carrier Strike Group 12

Congratulations to Capt Errol Robinson on assuming command of USS Normandy (CG 60). He relieved Capt Gary Chase as commanding officer on Feb. 28, 2023. He had previously served as CO and XO on USS Arleigh Burke. More information and pictures on DVIDS.

Another add to the growing list of Arleigh Burke shipmates that subsequently held command positions. Are we missing anyone on the list? Let us know.

Deployment Homecoming

USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) returned to home port after the second FDNF deployment on Oct 6, 2022. The deployment included:
– steaming 17,243 nautical miles
– six Strait transits
– seven replenishments at sea
– six port visits
– Atlantic Thunder-22, multi-national live fire on the Hebrides Range, including a live SM-6 firing

Toni Checchio

Congratulations to Toni Checchio on receipt of the Aegis Excellence Award.

Toni has been contributing to the success of the Admiral’s ships for over 30 years. As the Gas Turbine Generator subject matter expert, she was deeply involved with the precomm crew training and preparations for fleet introduction of the generator at the Land Based Engineering Site. The original industry design proved somewhat challenging, and she could be found many times aboard ship sitting in a generator module with the Sailors troubleshooting, correcting planned maintenance documentation, and improving parts provisioning, and eventually contributing to an updated generator design. She has continued as a technical expert on the class electrical plant as the design evolved from 440 to 4160 volts to support the higher power requirements in the Flight IIIs.

Her continued dedication to success of the class makes her a true Destroyer Leader.

The Arleigh Burke Class (DDG 51) Destroyer Shipbuilding Program Manager Capt. Seth Miller and NAVSEA Program Manager Mr. Michael Dugan present the AEGIS Excellence Award to Toni Checchio, a Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division electrical engineer, for her support during the DDG 51 Flight III (Flt III) development process on Aug. 9, 2022 at Philadelphia. Checchio began working on the Flt III electric plan design concepts in 2011. Her efforts led to the ship’s design being approved in 2015. (U.S. Navy Photo by Jamie Gates/Released)

Loss of a shipmate

U.S. Navy Releases Name of Deceased Arleigh Burke Sailor – US Navy Press Release – August 4, 2022

Seaman Recruit David L. Spearman was lost at sea on August 1, 2022.

“This bright, young man made an oversized positive impact on Arleigh Burke.  My entire crew’s thoughts and prayers are with Seaman Recruit Spearman’s family and friends.  We offer our most sincere condolences for their loss.”

“Thank you to the Swedish and German navies, the U.S. Air Force, and the Sailors from Arleigh Burke for their extensive efforts to search for our shipmate.”

CDR. Pete Flynn, Commanding Officer, USS Arleigh Burke

Spearman, of North Carolina, enlisted on Nov. 10, 2021. He reported to Arleigh Burke on April 21, 2022 after his training at Great Lakes, Ill.

Arleigh Burke In Memoriam Page

Arleigh Burke Association Scholarship

It is time to fund the 2022 scholarship. Funds are due to Anchor (who manages the scholarship) in February 2022. We appreciate donations to the Association in support of this effort. Contributions should be sent to the Treasurer, and marked for the Scholarship.