The future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on 20 March 2026, ahead of its commissioning. The post USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. arrives at Norfolk ahead of commissioning appeared first on Naval Technology.
The destroyer is built for multiple maritime operations, including anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare missions.
The future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), the US Navy’s latest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer (DDG), arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on 20 March 2026 in advance of its commissioning set for 11 April.
Retired Marine Corps Colonel Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr., the ship’s namesake and Medal of Honor recipient, attended the vessel’s arrival along with its crew.
DDG 124 is the first naval vessel to bear Col. Barnum’s name, recognising his actions during the Vietnam War that earned him the Medal of Honor for gallantry beyond the call of duty.
Speaking at the event, Barnum said: “This warship represents the enduring bond between the Marine Corps and the Navy, and I have the utmost confidence in the crew to carry on the legacy of service and courage that defines our naval forces. I look forward to seeing them ‘bring her to life’ and join the fleet.”
The US Navy took delivery of DDG 124 from General Dynamics Bath Iron Works on 17 November after completing a series of sea and dockside trials designed to ensure operational readiness.
The ship is a Flight IIA variant of the Arleigh Burke-class DDGs, and is equipped with Aegis Baseline 9 technology, providing integrated air and missile defence capabilities.
The destroyer features updated radar systems and improved computing performance, supporting operational roles including anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare.
After the commissioning ceremony, DDG 124 will officially join the US Navy’s surface fleet.
Martha Hill, wife of Col. Barnum and the ship’s sponsor, will give the order to “man our ship and bring her to life,” after which the destroyer will remain based at Norfolk.
The destroyer will operate independently or within larger formations such as carrier strike groups or surface action groups in support of national security objectives.
Besides the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr., General Dynamics Bath Iron Works is continuing construction on seven more Arleigh Burke-class destroyers named Louis H. Wilson Jr., Patrick Gallagher, William Charette, Quentin Walsh, John E. Kilmer, Richard G. Lugar, and J. William Middendorf.
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