Senior military leaders, service members, veterans and families attended the ceremony. Among those present were Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan, Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James W. Kilby and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith.
Phelan highlighted the significance of the ship’s namesake and its role in the fleet. “This is the first vessel to bear the name of a Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipient, and Col Barnum’s actions in the Que Son Valley during Operation Harvest Moon defines what leadership looks like when everything is on the line,” he said.
He underscored the operational role of the vessel within the Navy. “This ship is not symbolic, it is combat power, and today she joins something bigger.”
“The ship and her crew join the President’s Golden Fleet, the Fleet of the future— rebuilding American maritime dominance by putting more capable ships in the water, strengthening our industrial base, and ensuring we can fight tonight and win tomorrow,” Phelan added. “To be a superpower, one must be a seapower, and USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. represents exactly what that future looks like.”
Kilby emphasised the importance of such vessels to national defence. “The need to build great warships like Harvey C. Barnum Jr. is as clear today as it ever has been.”
“Sailors on ships like Harvey C. Barnum Jr. are standing the watch, defending the homeland, and deterring aggression,” he said.
Smith highlighted the legacy carried by the ship and its crew. “Col. Barnum represents the very best of our naval service, courage under fire, selfless sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to mission and to others,” he said.
“The crew of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. carries forward that legacy, and with it, the warrior ethos required to deter aggression and win when it matters most,” Smith added.
The ceremony included traditional naval honours and music from “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. Sailors manned the rails as the ship was officially brought into service following the order to “man our ship and bring her to life” from sponsor Martha Hill.
Hill reflected on the role of the crew in the ship’s commissioning. “This moment marks the transformation of this ship from steel into something living — a reflection of the spirit, dedication, and strength of the Sailors who will carry her forward,” she said.
“You are now part of her story, and wherever she sails, you will represent the very best of our nation,” Hill added.
The ship honours Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient for actions during the Vietnam War. Barnum addressed the responsibility carried by the crew during the ceremony.
“Our strength is not built on technology alone, but on trust, trust that we will stand by one another and that no one will ever be left behind,” he said.
“That belief shapes how Sailors and Marines fight, how they lead, and how they act when it matters most. The crew of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. now carries that responsibility forward,” Barnum added.
Commanding officer Cmdr. Cantu emphasised the crew’s commitment. “Every Sailor who walks these deckplates will be reminded of what it means to serve with honor, lead with integrity, and defend our nation without hesitation,” he said.
“We accept the responsibility that comes with bearing Harvey C. Barnum Jr.’s name, and we will carry his legacy forward in everything we do,” Cantu added.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers form the backbone of the Navy’s surface fleet. Equipped with the Aegis Combat System and advanced weapons, USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. is designed to operate across air, surface and subsurface environments.
