USS Stethem (DDG-63)

• Namesake: USS Stethem (DDG-63) is named after Steelworker Second Class Robert Stethem, a U.S. Navy Seabee who was killed by terrorists during the hijacking of TWA Flight 847 in 1985. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star. • Commissioning: USS Stethem was commissioned on 21 October 1995 at Port Hueneme, California. • Class: She is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, equipped with the Aegis Combat System. • Homeport: For many years, Stethem was forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan as part of the U.S. 7th Fleet, enhancing the U.S. presence in the Western Pacific. • Operation Enduring Freedom: Stethem participated in the early stages of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001, providing vital support for combat operations in Afghanistan. • Search for USS Indianapolis: In 2017, USS Stethem assisted in the search efforts for the missing USS Indianapolis (CA-35) wreck in the Philippine Sea. • South China Sea Operations: Stethem has conducted several Freedom of Navigation Operations (FONOPs) in the South China Sea, demonstrating U.S. commitment to international maritime law. • Humanitarian Assistance: The ship has responded to multiple natural disasters, including providing humanitarian assistance after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan. • Nickname: The ship's crew is known as the “Steelworkers,” in honor of its namesake and the Navy Seabees. • Decommissioning Plans: As of 2024, USS Stethem is still active, though the Navy has announced plans to decommission some older Arleigh Burke-class ships in the coming years, highlighting Stethem's long and distinguished service.