In a recent ceremony aboard the iconic Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro unveiled the US Navy’s newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the future USS Intrepid (DDG 145). This vessel will be the fifth to carry the name, honoring a storied legacy of courage, resilience, and sacrifice among the Navy’s sailors.
The name Intrepid, as you might have heard it before, carries a rich history in naval tradition, symbolizing bravery in the face of adversity.
Secretary Del Toro highlighted this legacy in a speech on Friday, January 3, stating:
“It is deeply meaningful to stand aboard USS Intrepid—the fourth vessel to bear the name, and whose proud legacy continues to inspire and remind so many visitors of the courage, resilience, and sacrifice that define the US Navy — and it is with profound respect that we also look to the future of our Navy from these decks.”
Each of the four previous ships named Intrepid made significant contributions to American naval history:
- The first Intrepid, captured from the Barbary state of Tripoli in 1803, famously set fire to the captured USS Philadelphia in a daring mission that demonstrated American ingenuity and resolve.
- The second Intrepid, an experimental steam torpedo ram, operated from 1874 to 1892, showcasing the Navy’s embrace of technological innovation.
- The third Intrepid served as a receiving and barracks ship, playing a crucial support role in naval operations.
- The fourth Intrepid, an Essex-class aircraft carrier, served from 1943 to 1974, participating in pivotal World War II battles such as Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. It also supported NATO during the Cold War, recovered NASA space capsules, and provided vital air support during the Vietnam War.
Preserved as a museum ship in New York, the fourth Intrepid remains a powerful symbol of American strength and service.
A Modern Warfighter: USS Intrepid (DDG 145)
The future USS Intrepid will join the Navy’s fleet as an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the backbone of the surface force. These highly capable, multi-mission ships are designed for a range of operations, from peacetime presence to high-intensity conflict.
In a recent ceremony aboard the iconic Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum in New York City, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro unveiled the US Navy’s newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the future USS Intrepid (DDG 145). This vessel will be the fifth to carry the name, honoring a storied legacy of courage, resilience, and sacrifice among the Navy’s sailors.
The name Intrepid, as you might have heard it before, carries a rich history in naval tradition, symbolizing bravery in the face of adversity.
Secretary Del Toro highlighted this legacy in a speech on Friday, January 3, stating:
“It is deeply meaningful to stand aboard USS Intrepid—the fourth vessel to bear the name, and whose proud legacy continues to inspire and remind so many visitors of the courage, resilience, and sacrifice that define the US Navy — and it is with profound respect that we also look to the future of our Navy from these decks.”
Each of the four previous ships named Intrepid made significant contributions to American naval history:
- The first Intrepid, captured from the Barbary state of Tripoli in 1803, famously set fire to the captured USS Philadelphia in a daring mission that demonstrated American ingenuity and resolve.
- The second Intrepid, an experimental steam torpedo ram, operated from 1874 to 1892, showcasing the Navy’s embrace of technological innovation.
- The third Intrepid served as a receiving and barracks ship, playing a crucial support role in naval operations.
- The fourth Intrepid, an Essex-class aircraft carrier, served from 1943 to 1974, participating in pivotal World War II battles such as Leyte Gulf and Okinawa. It also supported NATO during the Cold War, recovered NASA space capsules, and provided vital air support during the Vietnam War.
Preserved as a museum ship in New York, the fourth Intrepid remains a powerful symbol of American strength and service.
A Modern Warfighter: USS Intrepid (DDG 145)
The future USS Intrepid will join the Navy’s fleet as an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the backbone of the surface force. These highly capable, multi-mission ships are designed for a range of operations, from peacetime presence to high-intensity conflict.
Key features include:
- Aegis Combat System: Integrating advanced radar and missile systems for unparalleled air and missile defense.
- Stealth Techniques: Reduced radar signature to enhance survivability.
- Multi-Domain Capability: The ability to operate effectively in air, surface, and subsurface combat scenarios.
- Global Reach: Supporting US interests from the South China Sea to the Red Sea.
These capabilities ensure the new Intrepid will play a critical role in defending American prosperity and maintaining peace on the world stage.
Ship Sponsor
Secretary Del Toro also announced the ship’s sponsor, Betty Del Toro, his wife and a steadfast advocate for military families.
As the sponsor, she will establish a lifelong bond with the ship and its crew.
Mrs. Del Toro brings 22 years of experience as a military spouse, embodying the resilience and dedication that mirrors the vessel’s namesake.
“I am especially proud to serve as sponsor for a ship whose name embodies American courage and resilience,” said Betty Del Toro. “Having had the honor and opportunity to stand alongside my husband throughout his active duty Navy career and as the 78th Secretary of the Navy, I embrace this new role— one which emphasizes something that is deeply important to me; supporting Navy Sailors and Marines, and their families.”
Looking to the Future
The USS Intrepid (DDG 145) will carry forward its predecessors’ legacy while representing the cutting-edge of naval technology and strategy.
As a symbol of American ingenuity and determination, the ship is poised to inspire future generations of sailors and citizens alike.
The ceremony at the Intrepid Museum served as a poignant reminder of the Navy’s enduring commitment to honor the past while preparing for the challenges of the future.
As Secretary Del Toro aptly stated, “The courageous service of all our Sailors globally from the South China Sea to the Red Sea” lives on in this namesake.
With its proud name, advanced capabilities, and dedicated sponsor, the USS Intrepid will stand ready to serve, embodying the courage and resilience that define the US Navy.