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Forward Deployed — Operationally Relevant — Capable

North Sea Unrep – Mar 2023
Suez Canal – May 2023

Have you seen me?

Renowned Maine Artist Roger Williams created an original work of art commemorating the Admiral and his ship for commissioning. It was originally displayed in the wardroom. At some point the painting went missing. The Association would like to locate this missing painting.

The painting is owned by the US Navy, as it was donated to the ship at commissioning.

The Association intends to arrange with the US Navy History & Heritage Command for display in the National Museum of the Surface Navy or another appropriate museum.

Print of the painting presented at pre-Commissioning ceremony in Chrysler Museum

Prints of the painting were distributed at commissioning. The depth and texture of the original painting distinguishes it from the reproductions. The painting most likely would not be framed behind glass.

If you have information about location of the original the painting, please contact the Association – admin@ArleighBurkeAssociation.org

Articles on the missing painting:

New Center Maine Video Report

Maine artist says his painting of Arleigh Burke missing from Navy ship – Sun Journal – Dec 29, 2016
Navy to search for painting by Maine artist – News Center Maine – Dec 27, 2016
Maine artist says his painting of Navy hero is AWOL – Portsmouth Herald – Dec 29, 2016
Missing Painting of Navy Admiral Sparks Puzzling Mystery – The Sitrep – Dec 29, 2016

DDG51 Service Life Extended to 40 years

OPNAV N96 recently approved a five-year service life extension for USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51).
 
First-in-class Arleigh Burke’s estimated service life was 35 years, expected to expire in FY 2026, but efforts began early last year to request additional service time for the ship. The approval extension carries the ship out through FY 2031 now, when the ship will be 40 years old.
 
According to Rear Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, the extension is a testament to the success of the DDG 51 program as a whole and is an example of the Navy’s enduring relationship with industry partners.

“DDG 51’s are the best warships in history. They demonstrate that there are no limits to what we can accomplish with a strong American Navy-industrial partnership”

“Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the backbone of the Navy’s surface fleet and critical to the Nation and the Navy today and long into the future.”

Rear Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic

Read more at: USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) RECEIVES SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION – Naval Surface Force Atlantic Press Release – March 14, 2023

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.

Third FDNF-E Patrol

Arleigh Burke commenced its third Forward Deployed Naval Forces – Europe patrol in February, 2023, and conducted a port visit to Stockholm.

220715-N-DE439-1129 BALTIC SEA (July 15, 2022) U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Almagissel Schuring)

USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) Arrives in Stockholm – Press release on Navy.mil – Feb 17, 2023

National Museum Update

The Arleigh Burke Foundation is coordinating with the National Museum of the Surface Navy on development of “The Admiral Arleigh Burke Hall of Naval Heroes” to include a permanent exhibit on Admiral Arleigh Burke in the museum housed on ex-USS IOWA in Los Angeles.  The museum is set to fully open in 2025, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Navy. 

Explore the National Museum campus vision:

Click to open campus vision

90th DDG 51 Class Ship Named

SECNAV announced that DDG 140 will honor retired Captain Thomas G. Kelley, a Medal of Honor recipient. The name was selected in 2020 by Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer but not assigned to a specific hull.

On June 15, 1969, Kelley led river assault craft boats when they fell under attack. Kelley, while severely wounded, continued to protect and lead his men to safety. For this gallant effort, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Kelley, despite his injuries, continued his naval career, serving as executive officer on USS Sample (DE 1048) and commanding officer on USS Lang (FF 1060). 

Learn more about Capt Kelley.

DDG 140 was appropriated in the fiscal year 2023 budget and will be building during the 40th year of construction of the class.

31st Successful Year!

Forward Deployed
  Operationally Relevant
      Capable

Providing current Ballistic Missile Defense (SM-3) and Air Defense (SM-6) capabilities to Sixth Fleet!

During 2022 USS Arleigh Burke:
– spent 157 days at sea in 2022 with an OPTEMPO of 49.9%
– advanced 69 Sailors to the next paygrade, the highest of any at-sea command in FDNF-E
– hosted visits from SECNAV and CNO
– conducted successful live-firing with SM-6
– completed a complex Selected Restricted Availability
– completed a successful INSURV at 31 years old young!

Relive the year here

The Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer – The world’s most successful post-war surface combatants

The USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) class of guided missile destroyers can rightfully be called the most successful class of surface combatants in the post-World War II era.  The lead ship was commissioned in 1991, and the Navy is still building them at Huntington Ingalls Industries Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.  A total of 89 have been procured through FY2022, (with 70 delivered as of February 2022), including two in FY2022.

Edward Lundquist – Marinelink.com – Dec 21, 2022

Read entire article at Marinelink.com