Naval Calendar 2009
“Here in Afghanistan and in neighboring Pakistan we’re at a tough place, but we have confidence that working with our allies here, working with the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan, with the new effort and the new resources that will be brought in we can conclude these fights as successfully as we’re progressing in Iraq,” US Senator John S. McCain said while touring war-torn Afghanistan. Read the complete article.
USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) is a US Navy Arleigh Burke Class AEGIS destroyer.
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USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in the United States Navy. She is part of the 7th Fleet and homeported at Yokosuka Naval Base in Yokosuka, Japan.
The ship is named after John S. McCain, Jr. and John S. McCain, Sr., both Admirals in the United States Navy. John S. McCain Jr. commanded the submarines USS Gunnel and Dentuda during World War II. Subsequently he held a number of posts, rising to Commander-in-Chief of the United States Pacific Command before retiring in 1972. John S. McCain Sr. commanded the aircraft carrier Ranger (CV-4), and acted as commander of the Fast Carrier Task Force during the latter stages of World War II. They were respectively the father and grandfather of John S. McCain III, former naval aviator captain, U.S. Senator representing Arizona, and Republican nominee for president in the 2008 election.
John S. McCain‘s keel was laid down on September 3, 1991 at the Bath Iron Works (BIW) in Bath, Maine. The ship was launched on September 26, 1992, sponsored by Cindy McCain, wife of Senator McCain. John S. McCain was commissioned on July 2, 1994 at Bath Iron Works; former President George H. W. Bush, was the ceremony’s principal speaker,and John McCain spoke as well.
On 16 February 2007, John S. McCain was awarded the 2006 Battle “E” award.
Source: Wikipedia
USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), an Arleigh Burke class AEGIS destroyer, sails the seas.
Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) received the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation Oct. 27 for the ship’s efforts in responding to a downed Air Force B-52 bomber off the coast of Apra Harbor, Guam.
From July 21-23, McCain Sailors coordinated with a multi-agency search-and-rescue (SAR) group composed of Coast Guard cutters Assateague and Kukui; Guam civil services; Navy Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 25; a Kadena, Japan-based Navy P-3 squadron and several Air Force F-15 aircraft. Collectively known as SAR Group Guam, the team operation transcended civil and military service lines.
McCain was in Guam for a scheduled port visit and had left the island only hours prior to responding to the calls for a downed aircraft. The ship steamed at flank speed and within an hour, McCain was at the crash site. The ship expanded its search coverage with use of a rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB), while the flight crew conducted refueling operations for SH-60 rescue helicopters. From the RHIB to the rescue helicopter, McCain Sailors transported three aircrew members and solemnly rendered honors for the deceased.
McCain’s crew worked with the other services around the clock, employing all the sensors for the exhaustive the search.
“SAR Group Guam’s exhaustive three-day search absolutely saturated the search area and located various debris fields which provided invaluable information to an Air Force investigation team,” said Coast Guard Capt. Thomas Sparks, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Guam. “Additionally, the professionalism and dedication of SAR Group Guam during this tragic mishap provided solace and closure to the families and friends of the missing airmen.”
USS John S. McCain, commanded by Cmdr. John S. Banigan, is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
B.C. Linder
The Boston Globe (Sept. 5 edition) printed an article with the headline:
What’s in a name? Suddenly, McCain camp using candidate’s middle initial
The article engages in all sorts of speculation, e.g. that the name lends “gravitas” to the candidate, or that the campaign wants to draw a parallel to the “maverick” President Harry S. Truman.
(As if John Sidney McCain, at age 72 and as one of Washington’s most distinguished senators needed to play word games to gain “gravitas”)
Anyway, the article overlooks the most logical reason. Senator McCain is emphasizing his family’s multi-generational continuity of national and military service. A cursory examination of his acceptance speech makes it clear that the tradition of service — as a force shaping his character — is a major element of the Senator’s presidential campaign theme.
Here are the facts:
John Sidney McCain, Sr. (August 9, 1884––September 6, 1945) was an Admiral in the United States Navy, notable as a commander of the Fast Carrier Task Force in World War II. Under Admiral McCain’s leadership the FCTF operated almost continuously in support of the great amphibious operations during 1944 and into 1945.
John Sidney McCain, Jr. (January 17, 1911––March 22, 1981) was a four star admiral in the United States Navy. During the Vietnam War, Admiral McCain was serving as Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command when his son, Navy pilot (and future U.S. senator) John S. McCain III was held in Hanoi as a prisoner of war for nearly 5 1/2 years.
The Arleigh Burke class AEGIS destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) is named for both Admirals McCain, not for Senator John Sidney McCain.
Naval Calendar 2009
Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) arrived in Nuku’alofa July 30 for a scheduled port visit to participate in events and activities celebrating the coronation of His Royal Highness King George Tupou V.
McCain Sailors attended royal ceremonies, military parades, and formal social events with royalty, the Tongan Defense Service and Australian and French visiting navies.
According to McCain’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. John S. Banigan, port visits such as these are vital to the deepening partnership between Tonga and the United States since the two countries share many common strategic interests including promoting peace, fighting terrorism and creating a stable Asia-Pacific region.
“Our close relationship with Tonga is highlighted by our participation in the coronation of the His Royal Highness King George Tupou V,” Banigan said.
“This is a historic time for this county as it further evolves into a democratic society. The crew is honored to be included in His Majesty’s coronation and the symbol of national pride it represents.”
“In addition to the interaction with the Tongan Defense Service, we’ll be able to conduct exchanges with the Australian and French militaries, who will also be in attendance.”
John S. McCain is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan.
Byron Linder (NNS)
The Pentagon Brief 