USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG-124)
About DDG 124
The first wave of crewmembers arrived in May of 2021. USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. is 513 feet long and 66 feet wide with a displacement of approximately 9,200 tons. Her propulsion system will drive it to speeds over 30 knots, and she will accommodate a crew size of 304 Sailors. She will use a gas-turbine propulsion plant and Integrated Power System. Harvey C. Barnum Jr. will make use of the latest technology and weapon systems.
The keel of the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) was ceremoniously laid at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard, April 6, 2023.
On July 29, 2023, the U.S. Navy christened the Arleigh Burke Flight IIA destroyer, the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), during a ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.
The Ship's Crest
Shield
The anchor shank above the gold star represents the Medal of Honor, awarded to 1st Lieutenant Harvey C. Barnum, Jr. for his actions on 18 December 1965 during OPERATION HAR-VEST MOON in the Quế Sợn Valley, South Vietnam. The Medal of Honor ribbon is represented on the top of the shield, The shape of the shield is taken from the Navy Corpsman’s insignia, paying homage to those lost in battle and those that still serve alongside Marines today. The white border of the shield alludes to the defensive perimeter that 1st Lieutenant Barnum painstakingly created by moving into the midst of heavy fire to reorganize and stabilize the badly decimated units.
Two caltrops denote Barnum’s two tours in Vietnam with the 3d Marine Division, first as a 1st lieutenant with Company H, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, and second as a captain and Commanding Officer of Battery E, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marines. His illustrious career as a Marine officer is symbolized by a red disc bearing the Marine Corps eagle, globe, and anchor emblem.
Crest
Colonel Barnum is quoted as saying, “If you are going to be a bear, be a GRIZZLY!” The lightning bolts between two bears embodies Harvey C. Barnum Jr.’s intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as he stood exposed repeatedly to identify enemy targets to armed helicopters and to direct the landing of transport helicopters for the evacuation of injured Marines. The moon pays homage to OPERATION HARVEST MOON.
Supporters
The two crossed cannons represent Colonel Harvey C. Barnum Jr.’s role as an artillery officer and the armament of the USS HARVEY C. BARNUM JR. (DDG 124).
