About this Unit
The USS Milius (DDG-69) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on November 23, 1996. Named in honor of Captain Paul L. Milius, a Navy pilot who was lost in action during the Vietnam War, the ship has played a vital role in various operations, including maritime security, ballistic missile defense, and multinational exercises. Throughout its service, USS Milius has been deployed to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean, and Middle Eastern waters, supporting missions such as Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The ship has also served as a forward-deployed asset in Japan, strengthening U.S. alliances and providing deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Historical Facts
• Namesake Heroism: USS Milius (DDG-69) is named after Captain Paul L. Milius, a US Navy pilot who was declared missing in action during the Vietnam War after heroically remaining with his damaged aircraft to ensure the safe escape of his crew.
• Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer: USS Milius is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, one of the most advanced and versatile surface warships in the world.
• Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 23 November 1996 at San Diego, California, and has been homeported there for much of its service.
• Modernization: USS Milius was among the first destroyers to receive the Aegis Baseline 9 combat system upgrade, allowing it to simultaneously conduct ballistic missile defense and air warfare missions.
• Operation Tomodachi: In 2011, USS Milius participated in humanitarian relief efforts following the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan as part of Operation Tomodachi.
• Deployment to the Western Pacific: Milius has been forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the US 7th Fleet, enhancing US naval presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Historic Firsts: In 2023, USS Milius became the first US warship to operate in the South China Sea after a high-profile incident involving a Chinese surveillance balloon over the United States.
• Female Commanding Officer: In 2015, Commander Jennifer Pontius became one of the few women to command an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, taking command of USS Milius.
• Missile Defense Capabilities: USS Milius is equipped with the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense System, including the SM-3 and SM-6 missiles, making it a key asset in regional and homeland missile defense.
• Namesake's Legacy: The ship’s motto, “Altruism, Sacrifice, Honor,” pays tribute to Captain Paul Milius’s ultimate sacrifice and continues to inspire the crew today.
