USS BAINBRIDGE (DDG-96)

• Namesake: USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) is named after Commodore William Bainbridge, a notable early 19th-century U.S. Navy officer famous for commanding the USS Constitution during the War of 1812. • Class: She is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, one of the most advanced classes of destroyers in the world, equipped with the Aegis Combat System. • Commissioning: Bainbridge was commissioned on November 12, 2005, in Port Everglades, Florida. • Motto: The ship’s motto is “Fortis et Fiducis” — Latin for “Valiant and Faithful.” • Pirate Rescue (Maersk Alabama): In April 2009, Bainbridge played a pivotal role in the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips after the cargo ship Maersk Alabama was hijacked by Somali pirates, a story later dramatized in the film Captain Phillips. • SEAL Team Six Operation: During the Maersk Alabama incident, U.S. Navy SEAL snipers aboard Bainbridge conducted a simultaneous three-shot operation, killing three pirates and rescuing Captain Phillips unharmed. • Humanitarian Missions: Bainbridge has participated in multiple humanitarian missions, including escort duties and disaster relief in areas such as the Mediterranean and the Arabian Sea. • Ballistic Missile Defense: As part of her upgrades, Bainbridge is equipped with ballistic missile defense (BMD) capabilities, capable of intercepting short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles. • International Exercises: The ship has taken part in several multinational exercises, such as Joint Warrior and Operation Active Endeavour, strengthening cooperation with allied navies. • Honors: Bainbridge and her crew received the Navy Unit Commendation for their actions during the Maersk Alabama rescue and have been recognized for excellence in multiple operational deployments.