Navy
GalleryNavy’s newest destroyer, named for Medal of Honor recipient, arrives in Norfolk ahead of commissioning
Stars and Stripes
March 22, 2026
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, addresses the crew of future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum (DDG 124) at Naval Station Norfolk on March 20, 2026. (Jackson C. Rott/U.S. Navy)
Medal of Honor recipient and retired Marine Corps Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr. welcomed the warship bearing his name as it arrived to its homeport at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia.
The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. arrived Friday ahead of its commissioning ceremony scheduled for April 11. Barnum said standing on the pier to greet the destroyer’s crew at their new homeport was a “monumental” moment, according to a service news release.
“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,” Barnum said. “I look forward to seeing them ‘bring her to life’ and join the fleet.”
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, receives applause after addressing the crew of future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on March 20, 2026. (Jackson C. Rott/U.S. Navy)
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, welcomes the future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. as it arrives at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on March 20, 2026. (Jackson C. Rott/U.S. Navy)
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ben Cantu, commanding officer of Pre-Commissioning Unit Harvey C. Barnum Jr., welcomes Martha Hill, the warship’s sponsor, at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on March 20, 2026. (Jackson C. Rott/U.S. Navy)
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, welcomes the future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. as it arrives at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia on March 20, 2026. (Jackson C. Rott/U.S. Navy)
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer is named for the retired Marine Corps colonel, who fought valiantly during the Vietnam War. Barnum is among the few individuals to witness a Navy ship being named in their honor.
“We are ready to join the fleet and carry the name of a true American hero as we defend our nation’s interests around the globe,” said Cmdr. Benjamin R. Cantu, commanding officer of Pre-Commissioning Unit USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr.
Barnum received the Medal of Honor for his actions on Dec. 18, 1965, when he moved through enemy fire to lead attacks against entrenched fighters and, after securing the area, coordinated the landing of transport helicopters to evacuate casualties.
The future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) arrives at its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia, March 20, 2026. (Jackson C. Rott/U.S. Navy)