About this Unit
USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on October 14, 1995. Named in honor of Lieutenant William Charles Fitzgerald, the ship has participated in numerous operations, exercises, and patrols, primarily in the Pacific and Indian Oceans as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet. On June 17, 2017, Fitzgerald was involved in a fatal collision with a Philippine-flagged container ship off the coast of Japan, resulting in significant damage and the loss of seven sailors. After extensive repairs and upgrades, the ship returned to active service in April 2020, continuing its role in promoting maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) is named after Lieutenant William Charles Fitzgerald, a naval officer who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism during the Vietnam War.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on October 14, 1995, at Naval Station Newport, Rhode Island, with Commander Dennis C. FitzPatrick as its first commanding officer.
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Arleigh Burke-class: USS Fitzgerald is part of the Arleigh Burke-class of guided missile destroyers, renowned for their Aegis Combat System and versatility in air, surface, and subsurface warfare.
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Forward-Deployed: Since 2004, Fitzgerald has been forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, supporting the U.S. Seventh Fleet and playing a key role in Pacific security operations.
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Collision Incident: On June 17, 2017, Fitzgerald collided with the container ship ACX Crystal off the coast of Japan, resulting in the tragic loss of seven sailors and significant damage to the destroyer.
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Heroic Damage Control: After the 2017 collision, the crew's rapid and courageous damage control efforts prevented the ship from sinking, with many sailors risking their lives to save their shipmates and the vessel.
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Extensive Repairs: The damage from the collision required Fitzgerald to be transported to Pascagoula, Mississippi, aboard the heavy-lift ship MV Transshelf for repairs, which took over two years and cost more than $367 million.
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Return to Service: The destroyer was redelivered to the Navy in April 2020 after extensive repairs and modernization, and officially returned to service in June 2020.
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Ballistic Missile Defense: Fitzgerald is equipped with advanced ballistic missile defense capabilities, including SM-3 missiles, making her an important asset in regional missile defense initiatives.
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Regular Exercises and Deployments: USS Fitzgerald has participated in numerous multinational exercises, including RIMPAC and joint operations with allied navies, showcasing the interoperability and strength of U.S. naval forces.
