USS The Sullivans (DDG-68)

• Namesake: USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) is named in honor of the five Sullivan brothers—George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Albert—who tragically died together when the USS Juneau was sunk during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942. • Second Ship: This is the second US Navy ship to bear the name "The Sullivans." The previous one was a Fletcher-class destroyer (DD-537), which served from 1943 to 1965. • Class and Commissioning: DDG-68 is part of the Arleigh Burke-class of guided missile destroyers and was commissioned on 19 April 1997. • Homeport: The ship is homeported in Mayport, Florida, and operates primarily in the Atlantic Fleet. • Ship Motto: The ship’s motto is "We Stick Together," reflecting the Sullivans’ family bond and the crew’s unity. • Launch and Sponsor: The ship was launched on 12 August 1995, and was sponsored by Kelly Ann Sullivan Loughren, granddaughter of Albert Sullivan. • 9/11 Response: USS The Sullivans was one of the first Navy ships to deploy after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, taking part in Operation Enduring Freedom. • Missile Defense: The ship is equipped with the Aegis Combat System and has participated in ballistic missile defense exercises and operations. • Rescue Operations: In January 2000, The Sullivans rescued the crew of the disabled merchant ship MV Leader off the coast of Spain. • Symbolic Crest: The ship’s crest features five gold stars, representing the Sullivan brothers, and shamrocks, honoring their Irish heritage.