USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG-124) Commissioning Ceremony | U.S. Navy

Watch the official U.S. Navy commissioning ceremony of the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG-124), live from Naval Station Norfolk!

Named in honor of retired U.S. Marine Corps Colonel and Medal of Honor recipient Harvey C. Barnum Jr., this state-of-the-art Flight IIA destroyer represents the absolute pinnacle of naval combat power. During the ceremony, distinguished leaders including Secretary of the Navy John Felen, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith, and Col. Barnum himself deliver powerful speeches honoring the legendary courage displayed by Barnum during the Vietnam War.

The ceremony culminates in the time-honored naval tradition of the ship's sponsor giving the order to "man our ship and bring her to life!"

[Timestamps - Great for Retention & Chapter Markers]
⏳ Key Moments: Welcome & Introduction Honorable Bobby Scott's Remarks Vice Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Kilby The Legendary Medal of Honor Citation (Gen. Eric Smith) Secretary of the Navy John Felen Addresses the Crew Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr. Speaks to His "Grizzlies" Official Commissioning & Hoisting the Colors "Man Our Ship and Bring Her to Life!" Commanding Officer Cmdr. Benjamin Cantu Takes Command

**Key Moments & Timestamps:**
* [[14:21](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsVFS98sKdQ&t=861)] **Invocation:** Abbott Mark Cooper delivers the opening invocation, blessing the ship, its namesake, and the crew.
* [[19:21](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsVFS98sKdQ&t=1161)] **Representative Bobby Scott's Remarks:** Honorable Bobby Scott welcomes the attendees and emphasizes the importance of investing in naval strength and the nation's shipbuilders.
* [[24:16](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsVFS98sKdQ&t=1456)] **Admiral James Kilby's Remarks:** The Vice Chief of Naval Operations discusses the critical role of modern destroyers and commends Colonel Barnum's close, inspiring relationship with the ship's crew.
* [[29:29](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsVFS98sKdQ&t=1769)] **Reading of the Medal of Honor Citation:** Marine Corps Commandant General Eric Smith shares Colonel Barnum's heroic Medal of Honor citation, recounting how he exposed himself to enemy fire to save his Marines and lead a successful counterattack in Vietnam.
* [[38:05](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsVFS98sKdQ&t=2285)] **Secretary of the Navy Address:** SECNAV John Felen discusses the incredible combat power of the newly minted flight IIA destroyer and officially honors the crew before placing the ship in commission.
* [[48:05](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsVFS98sKdQ&t=2885)] **Address by Colonel Harvey C. Barnum Jr.:** The ship's namesake addresses the audience, speaking on the importance of trust, loyalty, and commitment within the Navy and Marine Corps team.
* [[57:36](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsVFS98sKdQ&t=3456)] **Official Commissioning:** The ship is officially placed in commission by Secretary Felen, colors and pennants are hoisted, and the first watch is formally set.
* [[01:08:33](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsVFS98sKdQ&t=4113)] **Bringing the Ship to Life:** Ship sponsor and Colonel Barnum's wife, Martha Hill, issues the time-honored command: *"Grizzlies, officers and crew of the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr., man this ship and bring her to life!"*
* [[01:16:26](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsVFS98sKdQ&t=4586)] **Commanding Officer's Remarks:** Commander Benjamin Cantu formally accepts command of the ship and addresses his crew and attendees, expressing deep gratitude and determination to carry on Colonel Barnum's legacy.

What you'll learn in this video:
The tactical upgrades and armaments of DDG 124
The heroic actions of 1st Lt. Harvey Barnum on December 18, 1965
Highlights from the commissioning ceremony in Norfolk, VA
#USNavy #USSHarveyBarnum #DDG124 #DefenseNow #MilitaryNews #NavalPower #MedalOfHonor #ArleighBurkeClass #NavyCommissioning #NorfolkVA

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[Copyright / Source Disclaimer]
Footage provided by the public domain. All content is for educational and news-reporting purposes.

USS Harvey Barnum (DDG 124) will be commissioned April 11, 2026 in Norfolk VA. DDG124 is named in honor of Harvey Barnum Jr. a Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient and former Assistant Secretary of the Navy.

USS Harvey Barnum Commissioning
USS Harvey Barnum (DDG 124) will be commissioned April 11, 2026 in Norfolk VA. DDG124 is named in honor of Harvey Barnum Jr. a Vietnam War Medal of Honor Recipient and former Assistant Secretary of the Navy.
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Film Credits: Defense Media Activity - Navy Production

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