The destroyer is named for Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran and Navy Cross recipient. In 1951, Neal’s helicopter crashed during a rescue attempt in the North Korean mountains, and he evaded enemy forces for nine days before being captured and held as a prisoner of war for two and a half years.
Neal was released and returned to the United States in 1952 with more than 320 other prisoners of war. HII said the ship’s name honors his courage, service and sacrifice.
William Toti, performing the duties of the under secretary of the Navy, delivered the keynote address at the christening ceremony. “The future USS George M. Neal honors a legacy of extraordinary courage and sacrifice,” Toti said. “As we christen this ship, we mark another step toward building the Navy our nation needs. Flight III destroyers are critical to our nation’s security, and we are proud to accept each one built by the skilled workforce at Ingalls.”
HII President and CEO Chris Kastner said the ship reflects the skill and commitment of the Ingalls workforce. “As a company, HII does a lot of amazing things, but only people — human beings — build ships. They build ships with their hands, their minds and toughness. The people of Ingalls Shipbuilding are among the finest craftsmen and craftswomen on the face of the Earth,” Kastner said.
“When she is delivered, DDG 131 will be the most powerful surface combatant in the world. She will be ready. She’ll be ready because the United States of America makes a conscious choice, generation after generation for now 250 years, to invest in U.S. Navy ships, built by Americans, in America.”
The ship’s sponsor, Kelley Neal Gray, daughter of George M. Neal, carried out the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony against the bow. “On behalf of my family, I express my deepest gratitude to the United States Navy, to the incredible honor, for this magnificent destroyer after my father, George Milton Neal,” Gray said.
“We are forever grateful that his life of service, sacrifice and courage will be remembered through a ship that will one day defend our nation and carry his legacy throughout the world.” U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell, who represents Mississippi’s 4th District, also addressed the ceremony.
“Today’s christening of the future USS George M. Neal is a proud moment for Mississippi and our nation,” Ezell said. “George M. Neal’s courage, sacrifice, and service represent the very best of America, and it is fitting that this warship will carry his legacy for generations to come. I’m grateful to the hardworking men and women of Ingalls Shipbuilding whose craftsmanship strengthens our Navy, supports our Gulf Coast economy, and helps keep our nation safe.”
Ingalls has delivered 36 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to date, including USS Jack H. Lucas, the first Flight III destroyer, and Ted Stevens. Flight III destroyers now under construction at Ingalls include Jeremiah Denton, George M. Neal, Sam Nunn, Thad Cochran and John F. Lehman.
Ships in pre-planning include Telesforo Trinidad, Ernest E. Evans, Charles French, Richard J. Danzig, Intrepid, Robert Kerrey and Ray Mabus. HII said Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers include design changes that provide significantly enhanced capability.
Those upgrades include the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System. HII said the systems are needed to keep pace with threats well into the 21st century.
