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USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS DDG-95

Drawing commissioned by Secretary of the Navy

USS James E. Williams (DDG-95) Naming Certificate

Click on graphics for larger view.

On May 26, 2001 in Darlington, SC the United States Navy formally named the 45^th Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer in honor of BM1 James E. Williams. BM1 Williams was the recipient of the Medal Of Honor, Navy Cross, two Silver Stars and numerous other awards in Vietnam, 1966 - 1967. He was the highest decorated enlisted Sailor in the history of the United States Navy.

 

Capt. Chester B. Smith, NC, USN (ret) acted as master of ceremonies for the event. Capt. Smith made several personal remarks during the ceremony concerning the life and his friendship with BM1 Williams.

 

Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy, James L. Herdt presented Mrs. Elaine Williams with the formal certificate for naming of the USS JAMES E. WILLIAMS.

 

Rev. Timothy W. Coker gave the Invocation and Benediction for the ceremony.

 

Rev. Allan Campbell sang "This is My Country". There were few dry eyes after his rendition.

 

The ceremony was well attended by family, friends and several active duty Naval personnel from the Small Boat Units.

 

Representing PBR FVA was: President, Kerry Schaefer; Vice President, Cecil Martin; Secretary/Treasurer, Robert Gray and Board Member, Robert Creel.

 

According to MCPON, James L. Herdt, Keel laying for the ship will take place in July 2002 at the Ingalls shipbuilding facility (a subsidiary of Northrop Grumman Corporation) in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The following July 2003 will be the Christening for the USS James E. WILLIAMS. Date for the Commissioning ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Photo's of Ship Naming

 

 

Arleigh Burke Class

General Characteristics

 

Power Plant: Four General Electric LM 2500-30 gas turbines: two shafts, 100,000 total shaft horsepower.

Length: 509 ½ feet

Beam: 59 feet

Displacement: 8,300 tons full load

Speed: in excess of 30 knots

Aircraft: None. LAMPS III electronics installed on landing deck for coordinated DDG 51/helo ASW operations

Crew: 23 officers, 300 enlisted

Armament: Stand missile; Harpoon, Vertical Launch ASROC (VLA) missiles; Tomahawk ASM/LAM; six Mk-46 torpedoes (from two triple tube mounts); one 5"/54 caliber Mk-45 (lightweight gun); two 20mm Phalanx