Christening of USS Patrick Gallagher DDG 127
The christening ceremony for the guided missile destroyer, USS PATRICK GALLAGHER (DDG 127), was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024, alongside the pier on the Kennebec River at Bath Iron Works (General Dynamics) in Bath, Maine. Ship sponsors are Teresa Gallagher Keegan, Pauline Gallagher, and Rosemarie Gallagher.
There were more than 2,000 people in attendance under a clear blue sky and brilliant sun. A large group of Irish citizens from County Mayo, who were friends and relatives of the three sponsors, were in the crowd and contributed a lot of energy and enthusiasm to the event.
Members of the U.S. Navy Band, Northeast, from Newport, RI, provided patriotic music and were accompanied by a Marine Color Guard from the 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Division. Additionally, the Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band from Ireland performed traditional Irish bagpipe music and were attired in kilts. There were a number of speakers, most notably the Hon. Sean Coffey, General Counsel, Department of the Navy, who gave a heartfelt tribute to Marine Cpl. Patrick Gallagher for whom the ship is named. The Principal Speaker was the Hon. Sean Fleming, Minister of State for the Department of Foreign Affairs, Government of Ireland, whose remarks regarding the long-standing relationship between Ireland and the United States, were moving and well received.
The final two speakers were sponsors Teresa Gallagher Keegan and Pauline Gallagher, sisters of Cpl. Gallagher who also represented their sister Rosie who chose not to speak. Their remarks about their brother, whose nickname was “Bob”, were personal, poignant and very touching. They expressed pride in their beloved brother for his courage and unselfishness and gratitude to our Navy for the honor of having a ship named in his honor. The motto of the Gallagher family is “Life is for the living, be brave and be bold”. That is now the motto of the ship as well. All three smashed their bottles in unison on the first whack!
Plans are being made for the PATRICK GALLAGHER (DDG 127) to make a port call in County Mayo, Ireland, shortly after the ship is commissioned and joins the fleet. All are welcome to attend!
Contributed by Patty Ball
