Toni Checchio

Congratulations to Toni Checchio on receipt of the Aegis Excellence Award.

Toni has been contributing to the success of the Admiral’s ships for over 30 years. As the Gas Turbine Generator subject matter expert, she was deeply involved with the precomm crew training and preparations for fleet introduction of the generator at the Land Based Engineering Site. The original industry design proved somewhat challenging, and she could be found many times aboard ship sitting in a generator module with the Sailors troubleshooting, correcting planned maintenance documentation, and improving parts provisioning, and eventually contributing to an updated generator design. She has continued as a technical expert on the class electrical plant as the design evolved from 440 to 4160 volts to support the higher power requirements in the Flight IIIs.

Her continued dedication to success of the class makes her a true Destroyer Leader.

The Arleigh Burke Class (DDG 51) Destroyer Shipbuilding Program Manager Capt. Seth Miller and NAVSEA Program Manager Mr. Michael Dugan present the AEGIS Excellence Award to Toni Checchio, a Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division electrical engineer, for her support during the DDG 51 Flight III (Flt III) development process on Aug. 9, 2022 at Philadelphia. Checchio began working on the Flt III electric plan design concepts in 2011. Her efforts led to the ship’s design being approved in 2015. (U.S. Navy Photo by Jamie Gates/Released)

October Destroyerman

The October issue of the Destroyerman is posted. Lots of 31st pictures and participation instructions for the annual membership meeting on Oct 27th.

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.

Continue reading “31st Memorabilia”

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.