NORFOLK— The U.S.S. Harvey C. Barnum Jr., an Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer, will officially join the U.S. Navy fleet today.
On Thursday, members of the media were invited to interview ship leadership and tour the new vessel ahead of the commissioning ceremony.
Harvey C. Barnum Jr. is a highly decorated United States Marine Corps officer best known for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. Awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in 1965, Barnum displayed remarkable courage and leadership under intense enemy fire, taking command during Operation Harvest Moon and rallying his fellow Marines to hold their position. Over a distinguished career spanning more than two decades, he rose to the rank of colonel and remained a respected figure in military circles long after his service, exemplifying dedication, bravery and unwavering commitment to his country.
Barnum Jr. is among the few who have lived to see their namesake be commissioned to the fleet. Commander Ben Cantu, who will oversee the entire vessel, spoke with the media about the relationship the crew and the Barnum’s have built.
“It’s an incredible opportunity first of all to have a living namesake. Many Navy ships out there aren’t able to establish that relationship so having a living namesake for the Barnum as well as his wife, Martha Hill, who is our ship sponsor and having them with us for this entire process from construction to joining the fleet, it’s just been a great, great special opportunity that is once in a lifetime,” Cantu added.
Barnum’s niece, Chief Petty Officer Courtney Dion, will serve aboard her uncle’s namesake as the hospital corpsman.
“Knowing the excitement that our family has for this commissioning, this is something they have been waiting for since 2016. For it to be coming to fruition, I have this overwhelming excitement for the crew, knowing all the sacrifices and the things that we’ve gone through to get this ship to where it is now and my family ties with that as well. I’m very proud of this moment,” Dion said.
After meeting with the media, Cantu provided a tour of the vessel which included stops in the galley, the mess hall, the Wardroom, the bridge, the Combat Information Center, and the bridge wings.
The full commissioning ceremony will be live streamed on DVIDS at 10 a.m. today.