About this Unit
USS O'Kane (DDG-77) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on October 23, 1999. Named in honor of Rear Admiral Richard O'Kane, a distinguished World War II submarine commander, the destroyer has participated in numerous operations, including Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, providing maritime security and ballistic missile defense. Throughout its service, USS O'Kane has conducted multiple deployments to the Western Pacific and the Middle East as part of carrier strike groups and independent missions. The ship has earned several awards for its operational excellence and continues to serve as a vital asset in the U.S. Navy's surface fleet.
Historical Facts
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Namesake: USS O'Kane (DDG-77) is named after Rear Admiral Richard O'Kane, a legendary World War II submarine commander and Medal of Honor recipient known for his daring leadership aboard the USS Tang (SS-306).
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Class & Type: O'Kane is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, equipped with the Aegis Combat System for advanced air, surface, and subsurface warfare.
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Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on 23 October 1999, at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, making it one of the few destroyers homeported outside the continental United States.
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Maiden Deployment: O'Kane’s first deployment was in 2001, providing escort and air defense for aircraft carriers during Operation Enduring Freedom after the 9/11 attacks.
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Iraq War Participation: The ship played a key role in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, launching Tomahawk missiles against targets in Iraq and providing maritime security in the Persian Gulf.
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Ballistic Missile Defense: O'Kane has been a testbed and operational platform for the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) system, successfully intercepting ballistic missile targets during several high-profile tests.
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Humanitarian Missions: The destroyer has participated in numerous humanitarian and disaster relief missions, including tsunami and earthquake responses in the Pacific region.
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Multinational Exercises: O'Kane regularly takes part in multinational exercises such as RIMPAC (Rim of the Pacific Exercise), enhancing interoperability with allied navies.
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Crest Symbolism: The ship’s crest incorporates dolphins, representing Rear Admiral O’Kane’s submarine service, and lightning bolts for the destroyer’s swift, powerful capabilities.
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Homeport: USS O'Kane has been homeported at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, for most of its career, playing a vital role in Pacific Fleet operations and U.S. deterrence strategies in the Indo-Pacific region.
