USS Thomas Hudner Returns to Port in Boston
18 March 2025
Boston, Massachusetts --
The Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), departed Boston after wrapping up a successful four-day port visit, Tuesday, March 18.
While in port, Thomas Hudner’s crew engaged with the local community through a variety of events and activities, sharing the Navy’s story and building relationships within the region.
“We love the city of Boston,” said Cmdr. Josh Womack. “Starting with our commissioning and continuing through today, we’ve formed a close bond with Bostonians, built on mutual interests of country and service. Our sailors truly appreciate the hospitality.”
The ship worked with the City of Boston’s Veterans Services office to organize meet-and-greet sessions with local Veterans. Thomas Hudner Sailors made stops at the Thomas J. Fitzgerald VFW Post 561, Patriot Homes, a residential development for veterans, and Compass on the Bay, an assisted living facility for residents with memory loss and dementia.
Ship leadership also attended the South Boston Citizens’ Association’s 145th Annual Evacuation Day Banquet, the nation’s oldest neighborhood civic organization. The event, attended by local leaders including Boston’s Mayor Michelle Wu, highlighted the deep connection between the Navy and the city. During the ceremony, Cmdr. Cameron Ingram accepted a plaque on behalf of the crew and thanked attendees for their warm welcome and continued support.
Additionally, the crew opened Thomas Hudner to the public, welcoming more than 1,000 visitors aboard for daily ship tours. The ship also hosted a distinguished visitor reception attended by more than 100 local leaders, including Massachusetts State Representative David Biele, who attended on behalf of the Massachusetts’s governor.
The crew also attended a reception hosted by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts at Faneuil Hall welcoming them to the City of Boston and participated in a 5K in Concord, MA to honor Thomas Hudner, Jr.
The visit culminated in the 120th Annual St. Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day Parade, where Thomas Hudner Sailors marched alongside Navy Band Northeast and USS Constitution Sailors in the historic four-mile parade route through South Boston.
“Being part of such a storied tradition and seeing the enthusiasm of the Boston community was an amazing experience,” said Lt. Taylor Bates. “It was a moment that truly reinforced the strong connection between the Navy and the people we serve.”
Commissioned in 2018, USS Thomas Hudner is named in honor of Capt. Thomas J. Hudner Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient recognized for his heroism during the Korean War.
Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic is responsible for manning, training, and equipping assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable and combat-ready force to support U.S. national interests. The SURFLANT force consists of more than 70 warships and 34 shore commands.