The 35th reunion dinner was held on Aug 23rd, in conjunction with the Tin Can Sailors Association annual convention, at the Crown Plaza in Warwick Rhode Island. Read more here
35th Anniversary Dinner
Tag Archives: ARLEIGH BURKE
35th Years Ago Today
Thirty five years ago today, a crew assembled in Norfolk VA to bring a new warship to life. Under hot and somewhat rainy skies, the national anthem was sung, some speeches were made, the ship was manned and brought to life, with reception following.
In some perverse ways, it seemed like we were on the sidelines – sitting out Desert Storm, working in a shipyard while the rest of the Navy was employed in the success of Desert Storm, returning to a true hero’s welcome. But, as Captain Morgan would like to say, we were doing something of consequence. Little did we know then just how consequential it would become.
The word “FIRST” is used way to often in the Navy. Yes, we were the first, but more important than being first, and being an initial success, we laid the foundation for enduring success of the ship and the class. More than 30 years later, the ship set another first – initial use of BMD capability in combat.
Thirty five years after commissioning, ARLEIGH BURKE is forward deployed, having just pulled into Limassol, Cyprus, for a port visit. The ship remains forward deployed, capable, and operationally relevant.
While the precom crew did have an impact, we started with the foundation laid by the the TICO class cruisers, the robust design and construction of the ship, and follow crews continued to build on that foundation.
As we celebrate 35 years, and look forward to 40 years, we are working to build a list of all our shipmates that served in the ship. If you are not receiving Arleigh Burke association emails, please join the conversation.
Learn more about how ARLEIGH BURKE was a success, initially, sustained, and as a class.
June 2026 Destroyerman
Topics include:
– 35th Anniversary of Commissioning Reunion Dinner
– Message from new Association President
– Ship Operations Update
– DDG51 Class Update
– 2026 Anchor Scholarship Recipient
Read the issue here
35th Anniversary Dinner
The Arleigh Burke Association 35th Anniversary Dinner will be at the Warwick Crown Plaza on Sunday, August 23, 2026 at 1800.
The Association is partnering with the Tin Can Sailors National Reunion.
There is a flat fee for the Arleigh Burke Dinner of $65. This includes the dinner and a 35th anniversary lapel pin.
DDG51 Association Ball caps and 35th anniversary challenge coins will be available for purchase at the event.
New Issue of The Destroyerman
February 2026 issue of The Destroyerman is now available – click image, or complete archives
Shipmate in the News – RADM (ret) Tom Anderson
Loss of a Shipmate
The Association has recently learned of the passing of OSC (SW) Teddy Dewayne Easter, Plankowner
A Celebration Of Life will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 4:00PM – 6:00PM, at Ocean Lakes Clubhouse, 881 Old Dam Neck Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23454
DDG51 spotlighted by CNSL
Loss of a Success Contributor – William Haggett
Former Bath Iron Works President William “Bill” Haggett, who led the shipyard from 1981 to 1992, passed away on Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Haggett led BIW through some of its most significant program changes, including the successful competition to become the follow yard in producing Ticonderoga-class cruisers and the critical competition to become the lead yard for the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, the DDG 51s that have become the longest running Navy shipbuilding program.
https://x.com/GDBIW/status/1897043252760436846
DDG51 Officer Receives SNA Arleigh Burke Award
LCDR Lindsey Boyle, DDG51 Plans and Tactics Officer, was recognized with the Admiral Arleigh Burke Surface Warfare Operational Excellence Award – Officer East at the Surface Navy Association Jan 2025 National Symposium.
The award was presented by VADM Vice Adm. Brendan McLane and Rear Adm. Joseph Cahill.
These awards recognize Surface Warriors who are leaders in their fields.
