The United States Navy officially commissioned the USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) into active service during a grand ceremony at the Port of Tampa on Saturday. The event was attended by thousands, showcasing the importance of this momentous occasion. The ship’s commissioning signifies the Navy’s commitment to delivering fast, agile, and networked surface combatants. The USS Jack H. Lucas is a powerful vessel built to tackle any mission it is assigned.
The commissioning ceremony was graced by the presence of the Honorable Erik Raven, the under-secretary of the Navy, who emphasized the ship’s capability to keep the Navy and Marine Corps adaptable and ready. He also highlighted the ship’s role in maintaining the free flow of commerce, deterring military aggression, and enabling quick responses to natural disasters worldwide.
The USS Jack H. Lucas, named after Private First Class Jack H. Lucas, is the Navy’s newest and most technologically advanced guided missile destroyer. Private Lucas, who served in the U.S. Marines during World War II, earned the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions at Iwo Jima. Lt. Dan McCormack praised Lucas, stating that he enlisted in the Marine Corps at the age of 14 and displayed remarkable bravery by diving on two grenades to save the lives of those around him.
Private Lucas holds the distinction of being the youngest Marine and youngest serviceman in World War II to receive the United States’ highest military decoration for valor. The ship’s name serves as a tribute to his selflessness and courage.
Following the commissioning ceremony, the USS Jack H. Lucas will proceed to the naval base in San Diego, California, where it will undergo a training cycle before being assigned for deployment.
This significant event showcases the United States Navy’s dedication to maintaining a strong and capable fleet. The USS Jack H. Lucas stands as a symbol of the nation’s commitment to defending its interests and upholding global security.
