General Dynamics announced that the USN has awarded funding for the planning and construction of USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) for the 2016 Fiscal Year.
The keel of the warship was laid April 6, 2021, and she was christened on July 29, 2023. Harvey C. Barnum Jr. conducted its float off on Oct. 4, 2023.
On April 11, 2026. the Barnum was commissioned into the Navy's surface fleet during a commissioning ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) was commissioned before a crowd of approximately 1,800 guests, including senior military leaders, Sailors, Marines, veterans and family members. Secretary of the Navy John C. Phelan served as the ceremony’s principal speaker, joining Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. James W. Kilby and Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith in celebrating the ship’s entry into service. During the ceremony, Phelan wished the crew of Harvey C. Barnum Jr. fair winds and following seas as they brought the ship to life and began her commissioned service.
For more information about the event, please read here: https://www.dvidshub.net/news/562515/uss-harvey-c-barnum-jr-commissions