U.S. Navy Christens Guided Missile Destroyer Future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127)

The US Navy christened the future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), a guided missile destroyer, at Bath Iron Works on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. EST.

The event honoured Marine Corps Cpl. Patrick Gallagher, a Vietnam war hero.

The ceremony included remarks from distinguished speakers, including The Honorable Sean Fleming, U.S. Senator Susan Collins; Gen. Christopher Mahoney, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps; Ireland’s Minister of State for the Department of Foreign Affairs; The Honorable Sean Coffey, General Counsel of the Navy; Vice Adm. Darse E. “Del” Crandall, Jr., Judge Advocate General of the Navy; and Charles F. Krugh, President of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works.

The ship’s sponsors and namesake’s sisters-Pauline Gallagher, Rosemarie Gallagher and Teresa Gallagher, were honoured to christen the destroyer by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the ship’s bow, carrying on a long-standing naval tradition.

Cpl. Patrick Gallagher, who moved from Ireland and joined the United States Marine Corps, was awarded the Navy Cross for his extraordinary heroism in the Vietnam War.

Gallagher jumped on an enemy grenade and threw it into the river to save his fellow Marines. He was tragically killed in combat a year later.

Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, emphasized the importance of naming the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer after Gallagher, praising his bravery and selflessness. Del Toro stated that the crew of USS Patrick Gallagher will uphold their namesake’s legacy as they protect America’s national interests and promote peace around the world.

The destroyer is the first naval ship to bear the name of Cpl. Patrick Gallagher. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, known for their versatility, are crucial for the United States Navy’s surface fleet. They provide a wide range of warfighting capabilities and play an important part in national security operations.

The christening ceremony featured a strong Irish presence, with an Irish flag and bagpipes prominently displayed.

Ireland’s Minister of State, Seán Fleming, gave the keynote address.

The celebration featured a navy band performing “My Gallant Hero” and Rear Adm. Thomas Anderson promising that the USS Patrick Gallagher would visit Ireland once commissioned.

Pauline Gallagher, one of Cpl. Gallagher’s sisters expressed gratitude that the ship named after her brother would carry on his legacy. She added that Patrick has been remembered and that he is eternally young in everyone’s hearts and minds, and the ship will outlive everyone.

There was also a protest outside the shipyard during which nine people were arrested for blocking vehicles and trespassing.

The USS Patrick Gallagher, a 510-foot Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, is currently in dry dock preparing for its eventual delivery to the Navy. The destroyer is designed to defend against submarines, surface warships, aircraft, missiles, and ballistic missiles.

Reference: US Navy

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