USS Dewey (DDG-105)

• Namesake: USS Dewey (DDG-105) is named after Admiral George Dewey, the hero of the Battle of Manila Bay during the Spanish-American War in 1898. • Class: She is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, one of the most advanced and versatile classes in the U.S. Navy. • Commissioning: Dewey was commissioned on March 6, 2010, at Seal Beach, California. • Homeport: As of 2024, her homeport is Naval Base San Diego, California. • First Flight IIA: Dewey is a "Flight IIA" variant, which includes helicopter hangars and improved combat systems compared to earlier ships. • Missile Defense: The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System and has participated in ballistic missile defense missions and exercises. • Humanitarian Work: In 2011, Dewey was among the first U.S. Navy ships to assist in Operation Tomodachi, providing humanitarian aid to Japan after the devastating earthquake and tsunami. • First Laser Test: In 2021, USS Dewey became the first ship to publicly test a high-energy laser weapon system (HELIOS) while underway. • Freedom of Navigation: Dewey has conducted several high-profile Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, asserting international rights. • Ship's Motto: The ship’s motto is “The First and Finest,” reflecting her namesake’s historic victory and the crew’s dedication to excellence.