USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101)

• Named After a Hero: USS GRIDLEY (DDG 101) is named in honor of Captain Charles Vernon Gridley, famous for Admiral Dewey’s order: “You may fire when you are ready, Gridley,” at the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898. • Fourth Ship to Bear the Name: DDG 101 is the fourth U.S. Navy ship named “Gridley,” following three predecessors dating back to 1901. • Modern Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer: USS GRIDLEY is a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, equipped with the Aegis Combat System and advanced missile defense capabilities. • Commissioned in 2007: GRIDLEY was commissioned on February 10, 2007, at the Port of Miami, Florida. • Homeport: The ship is homeported in Everett, Washington, playing a key role in the U.S. Pacific Fleet. • Maiden Deployment: GRIDLEY completed her first deployment in 2008, supporting maritime security operations and anti-piracy missions in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. • Female Commanding Officer: In 2016, USS GRIDLEY made history by being commanded by CDR Shanti Sethi, one of the first Indian-American women to command a major U.S. Navy combatant ship. • Humanitarian Assistance: GRIDLEY has participated in several humanitarian missions, including disaster relief operations in the Pacific. • Advanced Weaponry: The destroyer is armed with Tomahawk cruise missiles, Standard missiles, anti-submarine rockets, and the Phalanx CIWS, among other advanced systems. • Community Outreach: USS GRIDLEY maintains strong community ties, often involved in outreach events and adopting schools in her namesake cities, including Gridley, California.