CHRISTENING OF HARVEY C. BARNUM, JR. (DDG 124)

CHRISTENING OF HARVEY C. BARNUM, JR. (DDG 124)

The christening of the future USS HARVEY C. BARNUM, JR. was held on a warm sunny day in Bath, ME on July 29, 2023. There was an impressive crowd on the pier to honor the ship’s namesake Medal of Honor Recipient Harvey C. (Barney) Barnum, Jr. and ship sponsor Martha Hill.

Mr. Chuck Krugh, President of Bath Iron Works (BIW), welcomed ship sponsor Martha Hill and her family to the celebration. He thanked Martha and Barney for their tireless support of the shipbuilders at Bath. Governor of Maine, Janet Mills, talked about the value of Maine’s partnership with the US Navy and she highlighted the bravery, service, and sacrifice of the ship’s namesake, Barney Barnum. She spoke of the BIW pride to build a living monument to this man.

Senator Susan Collins (ME) talked about meeting Barney and Martha at the keel laying ceremony and how honored she was to know both of them. She thanked Barney for his selfless service to the nation. Senator Angus King (ME) stated that the last line of the first stanza of our national anthem is a question and Barney Barnum answered that question. He charged all Americans to consider whether they would do the same.

VADM Bill Galinis, Commander Naval Sea Systems Command, wished Col Barnum a belated birthday and noted what an honor it is to have a ship named for you. He stated that the ship will show the calm confidence of Barney and the strong and determined spirit of Martha. He noted that combined with her grace, she’s the perfect sponsor for good luck and protection of this ship. He thanked Martha and Barney for the time they’ve spent in Bath and Washington DC giving their perspectives to the shipbuilding teams.

General Eric Smith, Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, stated that he has access to the eyewitnesses’ accounts from Barney Barnum’s bravery. He noted that when Barney put the radio on his back, he became the enemy’s primary target and they spent the next four hours trying to kill Barney. His Marines didn’t know him since he’d only arrived but they followed him. He said Barney is a very accomplished individual but the crowd assembled today was there for Martha. He charged the audience to be a bit more like Barney with the spirit of Martha. He asked that the audience “give a cheer for Barney and Martha that will be recorded on satellites.”

Col (ret) Barney Barnum then took the stage to a LOUDLY cheering audience and gave the command for the audience to take their seats – we sort of listened! Once the audience took their seats, Barney asked the satellites to report that USS BARNUM will soon to be on point! He then spoke of how proud he is to be an American – the greatest country in the world.He talked about wearing the Medal of Honor for the Marines and Navy Corpsman. He spoke about how the ship is just a hull until the sailors operate her.He noted that he was humbled to be there with his wife Martha.

Martha Hill then took the microphone and thanked the shipbuilders and their families. She stated that she is tremendously honored to be the sponsor of this ship. She addressed the crew by saying they should be an example to those that will follow them.She charged them to “Never Give Up” and wished them fair winds and following seas. With the assistance of BIW Ship’s Manager, Matt Fimes, Martha was escorted to the christening platform. Hope Hill (Martha and Barney’s granddaughter) sang a beautiful rendition of God Bless America. After she finished and joined the family on the christening platform, Martha stood and gave the christening command and then broke the bottle of champagne on the ship’s bow!

Contributed by Allison Stiller

Author: Martha Hill

website admin & member