By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Matthew N. Jackson, Fleet Public Affairs Center, PacificSAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy’s newest guided-missile destroyer, USS Gridley (DDG 101), arrived at its homeport here March 21, after being commissioned Feb. 10 in Miami.
“Our mission is to provide support for global trade and commerce, contribute to the antiterror mission and global war on terrorism,” said Cmdr. Steve A. Shinego, Gridley commanding officer, noting the ship’s asset to naval operations.
“I’m very proud of the crew,” said Shinego. “They have accomplished a lot prior to our commissioning and bringing the ship from Miami to San Diego. Sailors aboard the ship can expect the chance to set the legacy from this point forward. Their performance, attitude, teamwork and kinship with each other is going to determine the reputation the ship has.”
Approximately 350 Sailors completed basic shipboard training and qualifications while working to keep Gridley on schedule.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers like Gridley are the most advanced state-of-the-art warships built in the world. These destroyers are equipped with the Navy’s AEGIS Combat System (ACS). ACS integrates air, surface, subsurface, and strike warfare.
The 51st ship in the Arleigh Burke-class, Gridley is the fourth ship to bear that name. Gridley is named after Capt. Charles Gridley who was the recipient of Commodore George Dewey’s famous command, “You may fire when you are ready, Gridley,” during the battle of Manila Bay in the Spanish-American War.