Congratulations on your orders to the Navy's first and finest Aegis Destroyer, USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51). The Command Master Chief and I are confident you will find this assignment personally and professionally rewarding. We look forward to meeting you, and welcoming the experience and expertise that you bring to the ARLEIGH BURKE family.
You are joining the crew of America's Lead Destroyer, the first in class guided missile destroyer named after the Admiral Arleigh Burke. Admiral Burke commanded two destroyer divisions, Destroyer Squadron 12 and Destroyer Squadron 23, becoming a naval hero in the Pacific Campaign during World War II. He later went on to be our longest serving Chief of Naval Operations.
We will operate this ship with Excellence and Efficiency to achieve our overall mission of warfighting readiness.
We are very excited that you are joining our family and look forward to meeting you and having you join us on the Rota Waterfront.