Tag Archives: DDG51

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

31st Memorabilia

Ballcaps and Coins are still available.

Crew Ballcap
31st Coin

31st anniversary hats and coins are still available.  These hats are available in coyote brown and have the DESRON 23 Little Beaver on one side and our anniversary slogan “Fast and Feared for Over 30 Years” on the other.  “Built to Fight is embroidered on the back above the arch.

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RDML Tom Anderson Nominated for Promotion

Congratulations to RDML Tom Anderson on his nomination for promotion.

He served on DDG51 as Auxiliaries Officer, Electrical Officer, Material Officer, and coordinated the first two Chief of Naval Operations availabilities for the DDG 51 Class.

He held several later positions contributing to the success of the class, including Ship Superintendent, Planning Yard OIC, Post Delivery Coordinator, Class Chief Engineer, Regional Maintenance Center Commander, and PEO Ships.

VADM John Nowell, Jr. Retirement

Congratulations to VADM John Nowell, Jr. on retirement after 38 years of service.

One of eight Arleigh Burke shipmates (to date) that have made flag.

Welcome #71, and some thoughts on the endurance of the DDG51 Class

When this was drafted, we did not realize one hull was delayed, so the 71st hull number was actually the 70th delivered.

USS Frank E Petersen, DDG 121 was commissioned on Friday, joining the fleet as the 71st in the class.

It wasn’t clear that the class would be this enduring.  In 1985, the plan was for 29 ships, to (mostly) replace the Charles F Adams and Coontz class.

Construction continued past 29, ending with #112 as the Navy’s interest was shifting towards DDG1000 and LCS.

After several years gap, it became apparent that the DDG1000 and LCS capability was not panning out, and the DDG51 production line restarted.

Current discussion is for production contracts to extend through 2027, some 42 years after the initial contract was signed for DDG51.

So why has the design proved enduring?

Continue reading “Welcome #71, and some thoughts on the endurance of the DDG51 Class”

Former CO selected for Flag

Flag Officer Announcements

FEB. 1, 2022

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations:

….

Capt. Thomas P. Moninger for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half).  Moninger is currently serving as executive officer to commander, U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Florida.

Captain Moninger was the 15th Commanding Officer of USS Arleigh Burke