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History of USS Mason (DDG 87)

USS Mason (DDG 87) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned into the United States Navy on April 12, 2003. Named in honor of the crew of the World War II destroyer escort USS Mason (DE-529), she represents a legacy of diversity and valor. Mason has participated in numerous deployments, including operations in the Middle East, where she responded to missile threats off the coast of Yemen in 2016. The ship continues to serve as a versatile asset in maritime security, ballistic missile defense, and multinational exercises worldwide.

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ABOUT USS Mason (DDG 87)

  • Namesake Honors: USS Mason (DDG 87) is named after two African American sailors, both named Mason, who served during World War II—Ensign Jesse L. Brown and Cook Third Class Doris Miller, breaking barriers in Navy history.
  • Second Ship with the Name: DDG 87 is the second U.S. Navy ship named USS Mason. The first was DE-529, a destroyer escort famous for its predominantly African American crew during WWII.
  • Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer: USS Mason is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, equipped with advanced Aegis combat systems capable of anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare.
  • Commissioned in 2003: The ship was commissioned on April 12, 2003, at Port Canaveral, Florida.
  • Notable 2016 Red Sea Incident: In October 2016, USS Mason was targeted by anti-ship cruise missiles off Yemen. Mason successfully defended itself, reportedly using SM-2 and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles (ESSM), marking one of the first times a U.S. Navy ship used such missiles in combat.
  • Multinational Operations: USS Mason has participated in numerous multinational exercises, including NATO operations and combined drills with allied navies such as in Exercise Joint Warrior and Operation Active Endeavor.
  • Humanitarian Missions: The ship has supported humanitarian missions, such as aiding in disaster relief and providing security during evacuations in unstable regions.
  • Historic Crew Diversity: The ship's legacy honors diversity, regularly participating in outreach and commemorations related to African American naval history.
  • Advanced Weaponry: USS Mason is equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, Standard Missile 2 and 6, Harpoon missiles, and the Phalanx CIWS for close-in defense.
  • Ongoing Red Sea Deployments: As of the early 2020s, USS Mason has been deployed to the Red Sea and surrounding areas for maritime security operations, including the fight against piracy and ensuring freedom of navigation in strategic waterways.

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