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SECNAV Del Toro Unveils New Destroyers and Frigate at 37th SNA National Symposium

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SECNAV Del Toro Names Destroyers and Frigate at the 37th Surface Navy Association (SNA) National Symposium

In a significant announcement at the 37th National Symposium hosted by the Surface Navy Association in Arlington, Virginia, Secretary of the Navy, Del Toro, revealed the names of four new ships that represent the future of the U.S. naval fleet. “Today, at my final Surface Navy Association Symposium as Secretary of the Navy, I am honored to announce four new ships which represent the future of our fleet,” stated Del Toro during his keynote speech.

The list includes three Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers: USS Ray Mabus (DDG 147), USS Kyle Carpenter (DDG 148), USS Robert R. Ingram (DDG 149), and a Constellation-class guided-missile frigate, USS Everett Alvarez Jr. (FFG 68). Adhering to Navy tradition, these ships have been named to honor notable heroes and leaders from naval history.

The USS Ray Mabus is named in honor of former Secretary of the Navy, Raymond Edwin Mabus, Jr. A Mississippi native, Mabus served in various capacities, including Governor of Mississippi and Ambassador to Saudi Arabia before becoming the 75th Secretary of the Navy in 2009. He is credited with pivotal initiatives in fleet expansion and energy use reform, culminating in a substantial increase in ship production and a push towards alternative energy sources.

Joining him is the USS Kyle Carpenter, recognizing Medal of Honor recipient, Corporal William “Kyle” Carpenter of the United States Marine Corps. During his service in Afghanistan, Carpenter executed an act of incredible bravery that saved his fellow Marine’s life. Despite severe injuries from the grenade blast, he was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama in 2014.

The USS Robert R. Ingram is named after Hospital Corpsman Third Class Robert Ronald Ingram, whose valorous actions during the Vietnam War earned him the Medal of Honor, albeit after a delay due to lost nomination documentation. Ingram’s resilience during fierce combat, where he continuously provided aid to wounded Marines despite sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, captures the true spirit of the honor.

The final vessel, USS Everett Alvarez Jr., named for Commander Everett Alvarez Jr., the first U.S. aviator captured during the Vietnam War. Enduring nearly nine years as a prisoner of war, Alvarez’s release marked a significant moment in U.S. military history. Recognized with numerous commendations, his legacy is immortalized with this new frigate.

Secretary Del Toro also named the ship sponsors, who will establish a lifelong relationship with their respective ships and crew. Liz Mabus, daughter of the former Secretary, will sponsor USS Ray Mabus. Robin and Brittany Carpenter, Kyle Carpenter’s mother and spouse, are the sponsors for USS Kyle Carpenter. Dana Ingram, daughter of Robert Ingram, takes on the role for USS Robert R. Ingram. Thomasine Alvarez, spouse of Everett Alvarez Jr., will sponsor the USS Everett Alvarez Jr.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, equipped with the Aegis Combat System, remain essential elements of the U.S. Navy, offering a wide range of warfare capabilities. These versatile vessels protect American interests globally. Meanwhile, the Constellation-class frigate represents the next leap in naval engineering, featuring enhanced multi-mission capabilities for modern warfare.

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