The Navy’s New Destroyer

The Navy’s New Destroyer pays tribute to one of America’s greatest heroes, John William Finn, a World War II veteran whose bravery during the attack on Pearl Harbor remains an inspiration to this day. As the first Medal of Honor recipient of World War II, Finn’s story of courage, resilience, and dedication has been immortalized with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art destroyer named in his honor.

On December 7, 1941, as the United States faced one of its darkest moments, John William Finn stood as a beacon of courage. Stationed at Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay on Oahu, Finn was a chief aviation ordnanceman overseeing a 20-man team responsible for maintaining the weapons of the VP-11 PBY Catalina flying boats. When Japanese planes launched their surprise attack, Finn sprang into action, manning a 50 caliber machine gun to fight back despite sustaining multiple injuries.

Even after being shot and gravely wounded, Finn continued his defense until ordered to seek medical attention by a superior officer. His extraordinary bravery earned him the Medal of Honor on September 14, 1942, making him the first recipient of this honor during World War II. Finn retired in 1956 as a lieutenant .He remained a symbol of resilience until his death.

Commissioned as an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the USS John Finn represents a powerful tribute to heroism and service. Ordered in June 2011, the vessel was launched in March 2015 and christened two months later in May. Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries, it officially entered service on July 15, 2017. Now based in San Diego, California, the USS John Finn stands as a testament to its namesake’s unwavering commitment to the defense of freedom.

63rd vessel in its class, first DDG 51 Flight IIA varian and equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

this includes:

Aegis Baseline 9 Combat Systems for unmatched tracking and targeting.

Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) designed to counter a wide range of threats.

Ballistic Missile Defense 5.0 and Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air (NIFC-CA) for enhanced operational capabilities.

Advanced anti-nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare protections.

With significant upgrades in radar and computer power, this vessel exemplifies innovation, making it a worthy namesake for one of America’s bravest servicemen.

While the USS John Finn represents the Navy’s future, it also serves as a reminder of the historic events at Pearl Harbor. Visitors can pay tribute to the sacrifices of Finn and his fellow soldier in world war II valor in the Pacific national monument.

The destruction of the USS Arizona lies beneath the waters of Pearl Harbor, standing as a somber memorial to the crew members who perished in the attack.

Adjacent to the memorial, the USS Missouri offers visitors a glimpse into life aboard a battleship. Here, they can stand where Japan’s surrender documents were signed, marking the end of World War II and the beginning of peace.

The commissioning of the USS John Finn bridges generations, honoring the sacrifices of those who fought at Pearl Harbor while equipping today’s Navy with the tools to protect the nation. Finn’s story, now immortalized in steel and innovation, continues to inspire sailors and civilians alike.

As the USS John Finn embarks on its journey, it carries with it not only cutting-edge technology but also the enduring spirit of a man whose bravery changed history. This destroyer represents more than just military strength—it stands as a testament to resilience, bravery, and the relentless quest for freedom.

Let Finn’s legacy remind us of the importance of honoring the past while striving toward a brighter, safer future.