By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Shannon R. Warner, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Pacific
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy’s newest Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG 100) was greeted with excitement by the crew’s family and friends when it arrived at its homeport of San Diego, July 19.
Members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association joined family and friends to welcome the ship and honor the ship’s namesake, Rear Adm. Isaac Campbell Kidd.
Rear Adm. Kidd was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously after directing the counterattack against enemy aircraft from the bridge of his flag ship, USS Arizona, during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor Dec. 7, 1941. Rear Adm. Kidd died when the bridge took a direct hit from enemy ordnance.
“It’s important to honor Rear Adm. Kidd, he’s a Medal of Honor winner, and our motto is to ‘Remember Pearl Harbor,’ and keep America alert,” said Bill Craddock of the Pear Harbor Survivors Association.
Like her namesake, the Kidd crew have succeeded in adapting and overcoming overwhelming odds to accomplish the mission given to her by the United States Navy.
“Without a doubt, the crew has exceeded every expectation I had for them. They met every task head on. I can’t say enough about the crew,” said Kidd’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Richard E. Thomas. “It’s a great feeling being in charge of such a great ship and such a great crew.”
Kidd's journey to San Diego was delayed when the ship sustained damages during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 while at Pascagoula, Miss., and had to return to dry-dock for repairs.
Now the 276 officers and Sailors serving aboard Kidd can enjoy being reunited with their families and friends.
“I have been separated from my family for about eight months … I’m glad to be home,” said Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 3rd Class Joshua Catt.
Commissioned June 9 at the Port of Galveston in Galveston, Texas, Kidd is the 50th ship in the Arleigh-Burke class of guided-missile destroyers.
Kidd can conduct a variety of operations in support of the National Military Strategy. The ship contains myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs into the 21st century.
“Kidd is the best ship because it’s ours,” said Thomas.