Namesake: The Legacy of The Sullivan Brothers

The namesake of USS The Sullivans represents one of the most tragic, yet profoundly inspiring stories of sacrifice, brotherhood, and dedication in American military history. Our heritage is forever tied to the five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo, Iowa, who served—and made the ultimate sacrifice—together during World War II.

Meet the Brothers

When the United States entered World War II, the five Sullivan brothers enlisted in the U.S. Navy. They did so under one strict condition: they must serve in the same unit.

 
Despite wartime policies that generally discouraged family members from serving together, their steadfast request was granted. All five were assigned to the newly commissioned light cruiser USS Juneau (CL 52) in early 1942.

The Sinking of the USS Juneau

In November 1942, the USS Juneau was engaged in the ferocious Naval Battle of Guadalcanal. On November 12, the ship was heavily damaged by a Japanese torpedo.

The following day, on November 13, while attempting to withdraw from the battle area, the crippled cruiser was struck by a second torpedo from a Japanese submarine. The damage was catastrophic, and the ship sank in less than a minute.

Four of the brothers are believed to have gone down with the ship. George, the eldest, survived the initial sinking but tragically perished in the water before rescue forces arrived days later. Out of a crew of nearly 700 men, fewer than 15 survived. The loss of the Sullivans remains the greatest single-family military loss in American history.

A Nation's Response and Lasting Legacy

The devastating loss of the five brothers deeply shook the nation and forever changed American military policy.

Legacy Impact Details

The tragedy directly influenced the U.S. War Department to implement the Sole Survivor Policy. This was designed to protect family members from being drafted or serving in combat together to prevent another catastrophic family loss.
A Historic Naming Precedent When President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered a destroyer to be named in their honor, he personally insisted on the name "The Sullivans" rather than just "Sullivan." It became the first ship in U.S. Navy history to be named after more than one person.
 

Carrying the Name Forward

The unwavering spirit of the brothers lives on through the naval vessels that bear their name and their personal family motto: "We Stick Together."

Vessel Details Service & Status

USS The Sullivans (DD 537), Fletcher-class destroyer commissioned in 1943, served with immense distinction through World War II and the Korean War, earning 11 battle stars. Today, she rests as a National Historic Landmark and museum ship in Buffalo, New York.
USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), active Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer commissioned in 1997, continues to project power, defend freedom, and carry the legacy of the Sullivan brothers across the globe today.