About this Unit
USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on December 18, 1993. Named after the American Revolutionary War naval hero John Paul Jones, the ship has played a key role in missile defense and maritime security operations. Over its service, USS John Paul Jones has conducted numerous deployments in the Pacific and Middle Eastern regions, participating in joint exercises, freedom of navigation operations, and real-world combat missions. Notably, the ship has served as a test platform for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system, achieving several successful intercepts in missile defense tests.
Historical Facts
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Namesake Hero: USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) is named after the Revolutionary War naval hero John Paul Jones, often referred to as the "Father of the American Navy." His famous words, "I have not yet begun to fight!" have inspired generations of sailors.
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Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer: Commissioned on December 18, 1993, USS John Paul Jones is the third ship of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, renowned for their advanced Aegis Combat System.
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Homeport Changes: The ship was originally homeported in San Diego, California, but later moved to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, reflecting its strategic importance in the Pacific.
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Missile Defense Pioneer: DDG-53 was the first U.S. Navy ship to be equipped with the Baseline 9 version of the Aegis Combat System, making it a leader in ballistic missile defense capabilities.
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Operation Tomodachi: In 2011, John Paul Jones was part of the humanitarian response to the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan, providing support and relief during Operation Tomodachi.
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Live Fire Testing: The ship has been central to testing the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) and Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, including successful intercepts of target missiles, demonstrating its cutting-edge technology.
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Hollywood Appearance: USS John Paul Jones featured prominently in the 2012 film "Battleship," where its crew battles an alien invasion, bringing pop culture fame to the ship.
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Cooperative Engagement: In 2016, the ship participated in the first-ever live fire test of the Naval Integrated Fire Control–Counter Air (NIFC-CA) system, engaging a target using sensor data from another ship—showing the future of networked warfare.
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Namesake Legacy: The ship's motto, "In Harm's Way," echoes the boldness and tenacity of John Paul Jones, and its crest includes elements symbolizing his Scottish heritage and service to the American Navy.
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Freedom of Navigation Operations: USS John Paul Jones has conducted multiple freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea and around the Persian Gulf, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to maintaining open sea lanes and international law.
