History

The ship is named for Vice Adm. Lawson P. Ramage, a notable submarine commander and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II.  Ramage is the 11th Arleigh BurkeClass Guided Missile Destroyer. Her keel was laid on Jan. 4, 1993 at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi. It is 505 feet long and is ported in Norfolk, Virginia. It was commissioned July 22, 1995.

Ramage has repeatedly deployed to 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility in support of a variety of missions. The mission of Ramage is to provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities while operating independently or as part of a carrier battle group, surface action group or amphibious ready group. The combat capability centers around the Aegis combat system and the SPY-1D phased array radar. The combination of Aegis, the Vertical Launching System, an advanced anti-submarine warfare system, advanced anti-aircraft missiles and the Tomahawk cruise missile provide Ramage with extensive warfighting capabilities. 

Quick facts:

• 11th Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer

• Keel Laid Down: Jan. 4, 1993 in Ingalls Shipyard Pascagoula, Mississippi

• Launched: February 11, 1994

• Commissioned/christened: July 22, 1995 in Boston, Massachusetts by Barbara Ramage

• Maiden Voyage to Mediterranean Sea: November 1996

• Provided extended radar coverage over NYC during 9-11