USS Jason Dunham Commissioned At Port Everglades
The U.S. Navy's newest Guided Missile Destroyer, the USS Jason Dunham, is in Ft. Lauderdale's Port Everglades for Veteran's Day and its commissioning on Saturday.
The vessel and its 380-member crew were formally inducted into the Navy during an hour-and-a-half-long ceremony on Nov. 13th featuring top military brass and state politicians.
The 510-foot ship is named in honor Marine Corporal Jason Dunham who sacrificed himself in order to save others. Dunham threw himself on a live grenade in April 2004 during Operation Iraqi Freedom in Karabilah, Iraq. He died eight days later at the age of 22.
His selfless and heroic act, which saved the lives of two fellow marines, was honored posthumously with the Medal of Honor in 2006. A piece of his helmet is enshrined in the mast of the warship.
The vessel and its 380-member crew were formally inducted into the Navy during 90-minute ceremony on Nov. 13th featuring top military brass and state politicians. There were flag raisings and speeches before a crowd of at least 3,000.
"It's a top destroyer, top of the line, the Navy's newest. I'm honored to be on a ship named after a hero," said Lt. JG Allfia Hood.
Dunham was the first Marine to receive the Medal of Honor in the Iraq war and the first Marine to be so honored since the Vietnam War.
The USS Jason Dunham is scheduled to depart Ft. Lauderdale Nov. 15th for Virginia.
