The US Navy has officially announced that the future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS John Basilone (DDG 122), will be commissioned on November 9, 2024, in New York City, New York.

The event will mark the addition of the asset to the Navy’s surface fleet.

The commissioning ceremony in New York City will feature the traditional order to “man our ship and bring her to life,” given by the ship’s sponsors, Ryan Manion and Amy Looney, the president and vice president of the Travis Manion Foundation. This moment will symbolically breathe life into the vessel, making it an active component of the US Navy fleet.

Addition to the surface fleet

As an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS John Basilone will join the US Navy’s surface force, known for its multi-mission capabilities. These ships are designed to operate across domains, including air, surface, and submarine warfare, providing support in peacetime and during conflict.

Following the commissioning, the USS John Basilone will sail from New York City to its assigned homeport at Naval Station Norfolk. This deployment will position the ship to support the Navy’s mission of providing naval power for sea control and power projection operations.

The commissioning ceremony for the 509 feet long, 9,200 tonne destroyer will start at 10am EST on November 9, 2024.

Built in the Flight IIA configuration, DDG 122 will feature the Aegis Baseline 9 Combat System.

This event follows the US Navy christening the USS John Basilone (DDG 122), the 72nd Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA guided missile destroyer, during a ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works on June 18, 2022. This ship, named to honour Medal of Honor recipient Gunnery Sergeant John Basilone, is the second vessel to bear his name, following the Gearing-class USS Basilone (DD 824), which served from 1945 to 1977.