DDG51 Earns 2021 Battle “E”

Arleigh Burke was recently announced as a winner of Battle E Award for 2021. The Battle “E” recognizes the top ship in each squadron and is awarded for demonstrating sustained superior performance, operational effectiveness, and continuous readiness. This is the same award that was presented to then LCDR Arleigh Burke’s ship, USS Mugford (DD-389), in 1939-1940.

Commanding Officer, USS Mugford (DD-389). On board his ship, circa 1939-1940. LCdr. Burke is standing by the E award Mugford won for gunnery excellence while he was in command. The E is painted on the shield of one of the ship’s forward 5/38 gun mounts. Courtesy of the Naval Historical Foundation; Collection of Admiral Arleigh A. Burke. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command Photograph.

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

20th Anniversary of FM-2

First sea-based BMD Intercept

On January 25, 2002, USS Lake Erie engaged and successfully intercepted a unitary ballistic missile target with a STANDARD Missile -3.  This was the first successful sea-based BMD intercept and established the momentum for AEGIS BMD that continues until today.

Ballistic Missile Defense is a key mission for USS Arleigh Burke as a FDNF ship. During 2020, USS Arleigh Burke was upgraded with some of the latest ship technologies, including upgraded AEGIS BMD programs, in preparation for joining the forward deployed forces in Rota in 2021.

Read more here: A short history of AEGIS BMD

2021

Dec 30th at the pier in Rota. (DDG 51 is third from right)

USS Arleigh Burke had a productive year. The ship sailed more than 44,000 miles, circumnavigated Europe, and executed operations in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Barents Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Arctic Ocean. At 30+ years, the ship (and class) remains relevant, capable, ready, and on duty. See the year in review here.

Arleigh Burke Association Scholarship

It is time to fund the 2022 scholarship. Funds are due to Anchor (who manages the scholarship) in February 2022. We appreciate donations to the Association in support of this effort. Contributions should be sent to the Treasurer, and marked for the Scholarship.

Departing Faslane Sep 2022
Atlantic Thunder – SM-6 Firing

Association on Social Media

We now have a social presence on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Links are on the top of each page. Followers, retweets, shares, and likes are appreciated.