USS Howard DDG-83

USS Howard's Namesake:

USS HOWARD’s namesake is Marine Corps First Sergeant Jimmie E. Howard. Born and raised in Burlington, Iowa, Jimmie Howard enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1950 at the age of 21. He proved his valor in Korea awarded the Silver Star. Among his other awards are three Purple Hearts. Sixteen years later the 37 year-old father of six returned again to war, this time in the jungles of Vietnam. Serving as platoon leader, Staff Sergeant Howard and his 18-man platoon from Company C, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division were operating as forward observers deep in enemy territory on Hill 488. Against overwhelming odds in the face of a determined and much larger force of Viet Cong. Staff Sergeant Howard and his men successfully defended their position and platoon until relieved

In 1967, President Lyndon Johnson presented our nation’s highest military honor to Howard for his efforts in Vietnam. GYSGT Jimmie E. Howard stood proudly at attention next to his wife and six children while the story of his heroic stand at Hill 488 was read. President Lyndon B. Johnson then placed the Medal of Honor around the neck of an incredible leader and true American hero.

Mission:

HOWARD is ready to conduct prompt, sustained combat operations at sea in support of carrier battle groups, surface action groups, amphibious assault groups and stands ready to become an integral part of interdiction forces. HOWARD can operate in any threat environment. She can defeat hostile surface ships, submarines, and air forces simultaneously while delivering long range attacks. HOWARD'S diverse combat capability is orchestrated by the AEGIS Weapon System - the only fully integrated electronic detection, engagement and fire control system in the world today. AEGIS enables HOWARD to detect, evaluate and engage an enemy with lethal firepower and accuracy. HOWARD'S weapons include surface-to-air missiles, Tomahawk cruise missiles, antisubmarine rockets, torpedoes, Phalanx Close-In Weapons Systems and a five-inch rapid-fire deck gun. Electronic warfare countermeasures, decoys, and passive detection systems supplement these weapons. HOWARD'S undersea warfare suite consists of underwater surveillance equipment including a hull-mounted sonar. This undersea warfare systems give HOWARD the capability to detect and prosecute submarines in blue ocean and littoral environments. Four powerful gas turbine engines provide power for HOWARD to successfully complete her warfare missions. They are capable of propelling HOWARD to speeds greater than 31 knots. Two controllable reversible pitch propellers assist her rapid acceleration and exceptional maneuverability. HOWARD combines versatility and flexibility to successfully engage any adversary today and into the 21st Century. HOWARD and her crew are ready to serve our Navy and our Nation in support of American policy, and stand in defense of democracy and freedom throughout the world.

Credits:
Photos and information were copied from the official US Navy website of the USS Howard.