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 who commanded two destroyer divisions and Destroyer Squadron 12 and later commanded Destroyer Squadron 23, becoming a naval hero in the Pacific CampaiB1 during World War Il. 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 guided by our dedication to Self, Stewardship, Family, and Integrity. These cardinal headings will drive our actions when faced with the challenge of winning, "The Minutes that Matter."
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.