WEBVTT 00:02.661 --> 00:04.303 - Welcome to historic Pearl Harbor, 00:04.303 --> 00:08.311 ^and the commissioning of United States Ship John Finn. 00:08.311 --> 00:09.858 ^I am Commander Courtney Minetree, 00:09.858 --> 00:11.704 ^the ship's Executive Officer. 00:11.704 --> 00:15.871 ^It is my privilege to be your Master of Ceremonies today. 00:15.906 --> 00:18.443 We are here today to celebrate the commissioning 00:18.443 --> 00:20.610 of USS John Finn. 00:20.751 --> 00:22.229 The ship before you was christened 00:22.229 --> 00:26.205 in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on May second, 2015. 00:26.205 --> 00:28.081 Notably, she was delivered to the Navy 00:28.081 --> 00:31.692 on the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, 00:31.692 --> 00:33.859 on December seventh, 2016. 00:34.442 --> 00:36.353 Today, she is complete, 00:36.353 --> 00:39.139 and this crew is proud to serve on the newest destroyer 00:39.139 --> 00:41.306 in the United States Navy. 00:41.356 --> 00:44.516 Our crew is dedicated to carrying out the courageous legacy 00:44.516 --> 00:46.471 handed down to us by her namesake, 00:46.471 --> 00:50.002 the warrior of Kaneohe, Lieutenant John Finn. 00:50.002 --> 00:51.311 To quote, then Chief-- 00:51.311 --> 00:54.478 (audience applauding) 00:59.419 --> 01:02.041 to quote then Chief Aviation Ordinanceman 01:02.041 --> 01:04.991 John Finn's Medal of Honor citation, 01:04.991 --> 01:08.648 he promptly secured and manned a .50-caliber machine-gun, 01:08.648 --> 01:10.928 mounted on instruction stands, 01:10.928 --> 01:13.842 in a completely exposed section of the parking ramp, 01:13.842 --> 01:17.388 which was under heavy enemy machine-gun strafing fire. 01:17.388 --> 01:19.567 Although painfully wounded many times, 01:19.567 --> 01:21.318 he continued to man this gun, 01:21.318 --> 01:23.584 and to return the enemy's fire vigorously 01:23.584 --> 01:24.878 and with telling effect, 01:24.878 --> 01:27.436 throughout the enemy strafing and bombing attacks, 01:27.436 --> 01:31.603 without complete disregard for his own personal safety. 01:32.494 --> 01:35.969 In that same spirit, this ship will sail the oceans, 01:35.969 --> 01:38.301 often alone, and will stand vigilant 01:38.301 --> 01:41.628 against those who would threaten Democracy and freedom. 01:41.628 --> 01:43.776 This crew is honored to serve in the ship 01:43.776 --> 01:45.526 which bears his name. 01:45.634 --> 01:48.450 Our ceremony today is a time-honored tradition, 01:48.450 --> 01:49.659 which began with the commissioning 01:49.659 --> 01:52.909 of our first warship, in 1775. 01:53.365 --> 01:55.913 Since then, thousands of ships have undergone 01:55.913 --> 01:58.396 the transformation from silent hull 01:58.396 --> 02:00.313 to fully-alive warship. 02:00.597 --> 02:03.947 Our commissioning crew, hereafter known as Clank Owners, 02:03.947 --> 02:05.535 are in formation among you, 02:05.535 --> 02:08.190 and ready to bring our ship alive. 02:08.190 --> 02:11.094 In just a few moments, the United States Pacific Fleet Band 02:11.094 --> 02:14.677 will render honors to Admiral Harry Harris. 02:22.142 --> 02:24.975 (trumpet fanfare) 02:27.677 --> 02:29.844 Ship's company, a ten-hut! 02:31.047 --> 02:33.304 Will the guests please rise, and remain standing 02:33.304 --> 02:35.347 for the arrival of our official party, 02:35.347 --> 02:39.514 honors, presentation of colors, and the invocation. 02:41.803 --> 02:44.504 Ladies and gentlemen, our platform guest: 02:44.504 --> 02:46.695 Lieutenant-Commander Alan Fleming, 02:46.695 --> 02:49.612 Chaplain Corps, United States Navy; 02:54.044 --> 02:56.998 Commander Scott Williams, United States Navy, 02:56.998 --> 03:00.333 DDG-51 Class Program Managers representative, 03:00.333 --> 03:03.666 Supervisor of Ship-Building, Gulf Coast; 03:04.814 --> 03:07.407 Captain Joe Ring, United States Navy, 03:07.407 --> 03:10.740 Deputy Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31; 03:12.946 --> 03:16.518 Captain William Kearns, United States navy, retired, 03:16.518 --> 03:20.518 Chairman, USS John Finn Commissioning Committee; 03:23.655 --> 03:25.935 Captain Casey Moton, United States Navy, 03:25.935 --> 03:28.352 DDG-51 Class Program Manager; 03:33.699 --> 03:36.831 Rear Admiral Brad Hicks, United States Navy, retired, 03:36.831 --> 03:40.998 Vice President, Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems; 03:44.582 --> 03:48.082 Mr. Joe Finn, son of Lieutenant John Finn; 03:55.943 --> 03:58.617 Mr. Brian Cuccias, Executive Vice President 03:58.617 --> 04:01.617 and President, Ingalls Shipbuilding; 04:05.609 --> 04:08.589 Rear Admiral William Galinis, United States Navy, 04:08.589 --> 04:11.339 Program Executive Officer, Ships; 04:14.572 --> 04:17.087 the Honorable Ikaika Anderson, Councilman, 04:17.087 --> 04:20.254 District Three, Honolulu City Council; 04:25.650 --> 04:28.262 Mr. Thomas Dee, performing the duties 04:28.262 --> 04:30.762 of Undersecretary of the Navy; 04:37.169 --> 04:39.938 Admiral Scott Swift, United States Navy, 04:39.938 --> 04:43.188 Commander, United States Pacific Fleet. 04:48.491 --> 04:51.608 Ladies and gentlemen, Mrs. Laura Elizabeth Stavridis, 04:51.608 --> 04:53.855 our ship's sponsor, is escorted today 04:53.855 --> 04:57.022 by Command Master Chief Thomas Conway. 05:04.812 --> 05:06.853 Ladies and gentlemen, Admiral Harry Harris, 05:06.853 --> 05:09.306 United States Navy, Commander, United States 05:09.306 --> 05:11.479 Pacific Command, and escorted today 05:11.479 --> 05:14.089 by Commander Michael Wagner, United States Navy, 05:14.089 --> 05:17.589 John Finn's respective Commanding Officer. 05:31.487 --> 05:33.989 Ladies and gentlemen, Admiral Harry Harris. 05:33.989 --> 05:35.822 Platform, hand salute. 05:36.477 --> 05:39.144 (fanfare music) 05:56.252 --> 05:58.002 Platform, ready, two. 06:03.864 --> 06:05.447 Advance the colors. 06:10.134 --> 06:12.801 (fanfare music) 06:30.932 --> 06:32.765 Platform, hand salute. 06:33.078 --> 06:35.745 (fanfare music) 06:56.706 --> 07:00.873 ("The Star-Spangled Banner") ♫ O say can you see 07:01.636 --> 07:05.303 ♫ By the dawn's early light 07:06.213 --> 07:09.880 ♫ What so proudly we hailed 07:10.856 --> 07:15.023 ♫ At the twilight's last gleaming 07:15.338 --> 07:19.505 ♫ Whose broad stripes and bright stars 07:20.237 --> 07:24.404 ♫ Through the perilous fight 07:24.824 --> 07:28.991 ♫ O'er the ramparts we watched 07:29.269 --> 07:33.436 ♫ Were so gallantly streaming 07:33.864 --> 07:38.031 ♫ And the rockets' red glare 07:39.027 --> 07:43.194 ♫ The bombs bursting in air 07:43.770 --> 07:47.937 ♫ Gave proof through the night 07:48.524 --> 07:52.691 ♫ That our flag was still there 07:53.328 --> 07:56.544 ♫ O say does that 07:56.544 --> 08:00.606 ♫ Star-Spangled Banner 08:00.606 --> 08:04.356 ♫ Yet wave 08:04.685 --> 08:07.409 ♫ O'er the land 08:07.409 --> 08:11.254 ♫ Of the free 08:11.254 --> 08:13.836 ♫ And the home 08:13.836 --> 08:18.003 ♫ Of the brave 08:19.880 --> 08:21.630 Retire the colors. 08:27.293 --> 08:29.626 (drum-roll) 08:38.968 --> 08:41.218 Platform, ready, two. 08:48.171 --> 08:50.037 Ladies and gentlemen, Chaplain Fleming 08:50.037 --> 08:52.370 will deliver the invocation. 08:54.623 --> 08:55.873 - Good morning. 08:55.879 --> 08:56.879 Let us pray. 09:00.327 --> 09:02.495 ^God, we thank you for this day, 09:02.495 --> 09:04.674 ^and we thank you for the gift of life. 09:04.674 --> 09:06.871 And we are humbled by the beauty and the majesty 09:06.871 --> 09:10.325 of your creation, which surrounds us here today. 09:10.325 --> 09:13.281 And God, we're also humbled by the example of courage, 09:13.281 --> 09:15.577 tenacity, and devotion to duty 09:15.577 --> 09:17.909 displayed in the actions of John Finn, 09:17.909 --> 09:20.067 on December seventh, 1941, 09:20.067 --> 09:23.205 and indeed throughout his long and meaningful life. 09:23.205 --> 09:25.328 God, it is my prayer that the men and women 09:25.328 --> 09:27.345 who breathe life into this mighty warship 09:27.345 --> 09:31.156 will be inspired by the life and service of John Finn. 09:31.156 --> 09:34.518 Through power and determination, let this ship 09:34.518 --> 09:37.465 and its crew ever be an instrument of peace. 09:37.465 --> 09:40.075 May there be no foe who can resist their might, 09:40.075 --> 09:42.474 as they do the righteous bidding of our nation. 09:42.474 --> 09:44.629 Let them be proud of who they are, 09:44.629 --> 09:47.029 as the crew of the USS John Finn, 09:47.029 --> 09:49.836 and may their love of country strengthen their devotion 09:49.836 --> 09:52.919 to duty, however arduous that may be. 09:53.034 --> 09:55.460 Father, we are honored to invoke your presence 09:55.460 --> 09:57.041 for this special occasion. 09:57.041 --> 09:59.229 May your presence forever keep this ship, 09:59.229 --> 10:01.188 and all who hold it dear. 10:01.188 --> 10:05.355 And now, God, I ask this in the name of our creator, amen. 10:06.834 --> 10:09.453 - Will the guests please be seated. 10:09.453 --> 10:11.870 Ship's company, parade, rest. 10:15.109 --> 10:17.754 Ladies and Gentlemen, Councilman Ikaika Anderson, 10:17.754 --> 10:20.921 Third District, Honolulu City Council. 10:20.938 --> 10:24.105 (audience applauding) 10:33.973 --> 10:36.241 - Aloha. (speaking in foreign language) 10:36.241 --> 10:37.975 ^Good morning. 10:37.975 --> 10:39.530 ^It is a great privilege and honor 10:39.530 --> 10:43.329 ^to join all of you, here today, representing not just 10:43.329 --> 10:44.912 the people of Oahu, 10:45.298 --> 10:47.458 but all of the people that comprise 10:47.458 --> 10:49.864 the City and County of Honolulu 10:49.864 --> 10:52.125 on this day, to celebrate the commissioning 10:52.125 --> 10:53.875 of the USS John Finn. 10:56.000 --> 10:57.621 I know that we can all agree 10:57.621 --> 11:00.708 that there is no more appropriate venue 11:00.708 --> 11:03.878 to honor the man behind this ship's namesake, 11:03.878 --> 11:06.045 than here at Pearl Harbor. 11:07.555 --> 11:10.401 For many of us who grew up here in Hawaii, 11:10.401 --> 11:12.851 and long before the era of the internet, 11:12.851 --> 11:15.030 we would often hear stories, 11:15.030 --> 11:16.968 some bordering on incredulity, 11:16.968 --> 11:19.385 about December seventh, 1941, 11:20.071 --> 11:23.573 when lives and history were forever changed. 11:23.573 --> 11:25.843 There was a story of the submarine that was captured 11:25.843 --> 11:27.461 off of Bellows Beach, 11:27.461 --> 11:30.335 which is roughly a mile from my house. 11:30.335 --> 11:32.209 The wayward enemy pilot that was caught 11:32.209 --> 11:35.415 on the privately-owned Hawaiian island of Niʻihau, 11:35.415 --> 11:39.104 and the young man who took on a squadron of enemy planes 11:39.104 --> 11:41.104 with only a machine-gun. 11:41.119 --> 11:43.448 Knowing the real history behind many 11:43.448 --> 11:45.504 of these childhood stories, 11:45.504 --> 11:48.105 we can appreciate and show the proper respect 11:48.105 --> 11:52.272 for the events that took place and the individuals involved. 11:53.072 --> 11:56.144 In particular, being here to memorialize 11:56.144 --> 11:59.394 that brave young man, John Finn. 11:59.963 --> 12:02.617 A self-described career Navy man, 12:02.617 --> 12:04.685 whose actions and unflinching willingness 12:04.685 --> 12:07.713 to put his duty to his country and fellow man 12:07.713 --> 12:09.945 above that of his own security 12:09.945 --> 12:14.028 embodied the very definition of an American hero. 12:14.135 --> 12:16.723 Prior to preparing for this morning, 12:16.723 --> 12:19.140 I knew of John Finn as one of 12:19.250 --> 12:22.223 (speaking in foreign language) 12:22.223 --> 12:24.473 or the warriors of Kaneohe. 12:25.145 --> 12:27.979 Depicted in a painting, manning a machine-gun 12:27.979 --> 12:30.146 as he defended Kaneohe Bay 12:30.365 --> 12:33.459 while Japanese planes fired at him from above, 12:33.459 --> 12:35.126 on December seventh. 12:35.450 --> 12:37.429 I later learned that Lieutenant Finn 12:37.429 --> 12:41.520 was the uncle of my good friend Lieutenant Kaleb Nation, 12:41.520 --> 12:43.687 himself a career Navy man, 12:44.886 --> 12:48.886 and that Mr. Finn had earned the Medal of Honor. 12:49.743 --> 12:51.837 I watched a video interview of Lieutenant Finn 12:51.837 --> 12:53.590 in which he shares the events 12:53.590 --> 12:56.199 of that December seventh morning, 12:56.199 --> 12:59.756 when his otherwise leisurely Sunday was broken by the sound 12:59.756 --> 13:01.673 of low-flying aircraft. 13:01.858 --> 13:04.941 Continuing on, he notes his first concern, 13:04.941 --> 13:07.708 once he realized the planes were enemy fighters, 13:07.708 --> 13:10.625 was that someone had taken his job: 13:10.820 --> 13:12.903 manning the machine-guns. 13:13.041 --> 13:15.279 That was his job, and by God, 13:15.279 --> 13:18.112 he was not going to let someone else do it. 13:18.112 --> 13:20.449 Such a brief and matter-of-fact way 13:20.449 --> 13:23.418 in which John Finn describes his actions, 13:23.418 --> 13:25.590 as an Aviation Chief Ordinanceman, 13:25.590 --> 13:28.358 that earned him our nation's highest award, 13:28.358 --> 13:32.525 speaks volumes about his character and his nature. 13:32.677 --> 13:36.107 The commissioning of the USS John Finn is a fitting tribute 13:36.107 --> 13:37.017 to one of our 13:37.017 --> 13:39.338 (speaking in foreign language). 13:39.338 --> 13:43.025 May she embark on a long career, protecting our nation 13:43.025 --> 13:47.025 and defending liberty and freedom on this Earth. 13:47.402 --> 13:48.887 Thank you very much. 13:48.887 --> 13:52.054 (audience applauding) 13:56.492 --> 13:58.638 - [Commander Minetree] Thank you Councilman Anderson. 13:58.638 --> 14:00.569 Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Brian Cuccias, 14:00.569 --> 14:01.921 Executive Vice President 14:01.921 --> 14:04.921 and President, Ingalls Shipbuilding. 14:05.002 --> 14:07.030 (audience applauding) 14:07.030 --> 14:08.821 ^- Well, thank you, distinguished guests, 14:08.821 --> 14:10.966 ^my fellow shipbuilders, ladies and gentlemen. 14:10.966 --> 14:12.944 ^Good morning to you all. 14:12.944 --> 14:16.025 ^I am honored to be here today in Pearl Harbor, 14:16.025 --> 14:19.381 representing the thousands of hard-working men and women 14:19.381 --> 14:21.048 who built John Finn, 14:21.273 --> 14:23.980 and 28 of her sister Arleigh Burke-class destroyers 14:23.980 --> 14:26.565 that proceed her into the fleet. 14:26.565 --> 14:28.648 As I look upon John Finn, 14:28.727 --> 14:31.079 I marvel at what a phenomenal asset 14:31.079 --> 14:32.991 this ship is to our nation, 14:32.991 --> 14:34.632 and to the United States Navy. 14:34.632 --> 14:36.445 Truly one of the most powerful, 14:36.445 --> 14:39.028 advanced warships in the world. 14:39.065 --> 14:40.785 It is also a privilege to be part 14:40.785 --> 14:42.673 of bringing this great ship to life, 14:42.673 --> 14:46.590 to serve our country and to honor the namesake. 14:47.150 --> 14:48.783 The ship we commission today honors 14:48.783 --> 14:50.896 Navy Lieutenant John Finn, 14:50.896 --> 14:53.227 who received the Medal of Honor for his historic actions 14:53.227 --> 14:55.977 on December seventh, 1941, 14:55.979 --> 14:58.117 during the attack on Pearl Harbor. 14:58.117 --> 15:01.401 The first Medal of Honor recipient of World War II, 15:01.401 --> 15:03.792 Finn retired after 30 years in the Navy, 15:03.792 --> 15:06.018 and lived to 100 years old. 15:06.018 --> 15:08.625 It's with great gratitude and respect, 15:08.625 --> 15:12.417 that we honor him today with the commissioning of this ship. 15:12.417 --> 15:13.968 We'd like to think that there's a little 15:13.968 --> 15:16.205 of John Finn's spirit and devotion 15:16.205 --> 15:18.197 in every one of our shipbuilders, 15:18.197 --> 15:22.268 who put their hearts and souls into every ship we build. 15:22.268 --> 15:25.018 And DDG-113 is no exception. 15:25.317 --> 15:28.988 Thousands of dedicated shipbuilders, riggers and fitters, 15:28.988 --> 15:31.405 welders, engineers, planners, 15:31.477 --> 15:34.971 and many others, have poured tens of thousands of hours 15:34.971 --> 15:37.817 transforming raw steel and equipment, 15:37.817 --> 15:41.042 into the ship our Navy commissions today. 15:41.042 --> 15:43.664 Our mission at Ingalls is clear: 15:43.664 --> 15:46.081 build the best ships, period; 15:46.605 --> 15:49.135 for the Marine Corps, for the Navy, 15:49.135 --> 15:50.481 and for the Coast Guard; 15:50.481 --> 15:52.295 I would say, for America. 15:52.295 --> 15:54.702 Our shipbuilders are indeed a national asset 15:54.702 --> 15:56.893 who support the defense of our nation, 15:56.893 --> 15:59.237 and freedom across the globe. 15:59.237 --> 16:01.855 Our national heroes, the men and women 16:01.855 --> 16:03.725 who will sail on this great ship in protection 16:03.725 --> 16:06.098 of our country and our freedom, 16:06.098 --> 16:10.244 have earned, and deserve nothing less than America's best. 16:10.244 --> 16:12.235 Several of these outstanding shipbuilders 16:12.235 --> 16:13.662 are with us today. 16:13.662 --> 16:15.049 I would ask that the Ingalls shipbuilders 16:15.049 --> 16:19.128 who are here today, please stand and be recognized. 16:19.128 --> 16:22.295 (audience applauding) 16:29.293 --> 16:31.293 Thank you, shipbuilders. 16:31.302 --> 16:32.979 Commander Wagner, you and your team may know us 16:32.979 --> 16:34.919 as the builders of your ship, 16:34.919 --> 16:36.281 but you should also know that we're among 16:36.281 --> 16:38.779 your biggest supporters, and we deeply appreciate 16:38.779 --> 16:42.384 your sacrifice and your service to our country. 16:42.384 --> 16:45.443 On behalf of 12,000 employees of Ingalls, 16:45.443 --> 16:47.480 congratulations to Commander Wagner, 16:47.480 --> 16:49.540 his officers, and his crew members. 16:49.540 --> 16:51.742 I'm grateful for the opportunity to be with you today 16:51.742 --> 16:53.466 for this historic event. 16:53.466 --> 16:54.938 May God bless America, 16:54.938 --> 16:58.438 this ship, and all who serve on her; thank you. 16:58.438 --> 17:01.605 (audience applauding) 17:03.970 --> 17:05.748 - [Commander Minetree] Thank you, Mr. Cuccias. 17:05.748 --> 17:08.020 Ladies and gentlemen, Rear Admiral William Galinis, 17:08.020 --> 17:12.187 United States Navy, Program Executive Officer, Ships. 17:12.382 --> 17:15.549 (audience applauding) 17:19.054 --> 17:20.387 - Thank you, XO. 17:20.739 --> 17:24.906 ^Admiral, Mrs. Stavridis, Admiral Greenert, 17:25.011 --> 17:27.901 ^Admiral Harris, Admiral Swift, 17:27.901 --> 17:31.901 Secretary Dee, fellow Flag and General Officers, 17:31.925 --> 17:34.025 Captain Wagner, and the crew 17:34.025 --> 17:36.628 of the soon-to-be USS John Finn, 17:36.628 --> 17:40.795 honored guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning. 17:41.645 --> 17:44.208 Captain Kearns, just another special shout-out to you 17:44.208 --> 17:45.143 and your commissioning team. 17:45.143 --> 17:47.674 What a fantastic week, and I thank you 17:47.674 --> 17:51.217 for making this week special, not only for all of us, 17:51.217 --> 17:52.968 but especially for the ship's company. 17:52.968 --> 17:54.385 Thanks very much. 17:54.605 --> 17:56.568 I'd also like to acknowledge-- 17:56.568 --> 17:59.735 (audience applauding) 18:01.418 --> 18:04.066 I'd also like to acknowledge the extraordinary hospitality 18:04.066 --> 18:06.562 of the people at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. 18:06.562 --> 18:08.493 And we're fortunate today 18:08.493 --> 18:11.270 to have Councilman Anderson with us. 18:11.270 --> 18:13.925 You have supported our Navy so well, 18:13.925 --> 18:16.062 in so many ways, over the years, 18:16.062 --> 18:19.258 but the support really shines brightly in events like this. 18:19.258 --> 18:20.925 Thank you very much. 18:20.992 --> 18:24.159 (audience applauding) 18:26.852 --> 18:30.769 And finally, a very special mahalo 18:30.843 --> 18:32.992 to Commander John Betruse, 18:32.992 --> 18:34.825 Chief Ray Amery, and the families 18:34.825 --> 18:36.661 of the Pearl Harbor survivors, 18:36.661 --> 18:38.628 who are with us here today 18:38.628 --> 18:42.795 honoring our namesake, and their shipmate, John Finn. 18:43.306 --> 18:46.061 We are honored by your presence, and profoundly inspired 18:46.061 --> 18:47.154 by your example. 18:47.154 --> 18:49.071 Thank you, thanks. 18:49.127 --> 18:52.294 (audience applauding) 18:56.108 --> 18:59.108 It is great to be back to delivering 18:59.346 --> 19:02.846 DDG-51 class ships to the fleet. 19:03.516 --> 19:06.121 The last DDG-51 class ship delivered 19:06.121 --> 19:09.515 was the Michael Murphy, home-ported here in Pearl Harbor, 19:09.515 --> 19:12.205 and tied up not far from here, Bravo piers. 19:12.205 --> 19:14.731 She was commissioned in October, 2012, 19:14.731 --> 19:16.663 just under five years ago. 19:16.663 --> 19:20.174 And I tell you folks, there's more of these ships to come. 19:20.174 --> 19:22.698 Arguably, our most successful surface ship 19:22.698 --> 19:25.174 construction program, John Finn 19:25.174 --> 19:29.341 is the 63rd of 64 delivered DDG-51 class ships, 19:29.977 --> 19:32.888 to the Navy, with eight more in construction, 19:32.888 --> 19:35.086 and even more under contract. 19:35.086 --> 19:37.836 It was over eight years ago when the Navy restarted 19:37.836 --> 19:40.086 the DDG-51 production line. 19:40.243 --> 19:44.410 Today, as the Navy's Program Executive Officer for Ships, 19:44.741 --> 19:48.074 I am privileged and very humbled 19:48.395 --> 19:51.476 to represent the thousands of men and women, 19:51.476 --> 19:53.746 a collective Navy industry team, 19:53.746 --> 19:57.913 that has labored tirelessly to deliver on that commitment. 19:57.977 --> 20:00.644 The restart of these destroyers, 20:00.701 --> 20:03.445 with John Finn being the very first, 20:03.445 --> 20:06.921 are the first Aegis destroyers to be constructed 20:06.921 --> 20:10.055 with the integrated air-missile defense RADAR, 20:10.055 --> 20:12.476 providing that much-needed ballistic missile defense 20:12.476 --> 20:14.476 capability to the fleet. 20:15.890 --> 20:18.986 The much-improved combat capability of John Finn 20:18.986 --> 20:22.302 makes this ship hands-down the most capable 20:22.302 --> 20:23.943 warship in the world. 20:23.943 --> 20:26.552 And we are on a path right now, to further upgrade 20:26.552 --> 20:29.578 the combat capability of this ship class, 20:29.578 --> 20:32.979 working with industry today on the next generation 20:32.979 --> 20:35.629 of the Arleigh Burke destroyers. 20:35.629 --> 20:39.462 The sustained success of this program 20:39.739 --> 20:42.152 is a living testament to the vision, 20:42.152 --> 20:44.489 the perseverance, and the leadership 20:44.489 --> 20:46.637 of Rear Admiral Wayne E. Meyer, 20:46.637 --> 20:48.304 the father of Aegis. 20:48.382 --> 20:51.873 Anna Mae, thank you for your presence here today; 20:51.873 --> 20:54.209 it means so much to all of us. 20:54.209 --> 20:56.292 Thank you for being here. 20:56.357 --> 20:59.524 (audience applauding) 21:02.202 --> 21:04.096 This morning, through one of our most 21:04.096 --> 21:07.188 time-honored traditions of the United States Naval Service, 21:07.188 --> 21:10.135 we come together to welcome our newest destroyer, 21:10.135 --> 21:13.186 the soon-to-be USS John Finn, 21:13.186 --> 21:16.353 into the world's greatest navy. 21:16.577 --> 21:19.861 In doing so, I'd like to take just a moment, 21:19.861 --> 21:22.955 as we gather here in the shadow of DDG-113, 21:22.955 --> 21:25.115 and the USS Arizona Memorial, 21:25.115 --> 21:27.947 to remember and acknowledge the people 21:27.947 --> 21:30.231 whose unique relationship has brought us 21:30.231 --> 21:32.064 to this point in time; 21:32.482 --> 21:36.039 and to reflect upon the values, our values, 21:36.039 --> 21:37.206 that we share. 21:38.020 --> 21:40.053 This ship bears a name 21:40.053 --> 21:43.886 that is synonymous with extraordinary heroism, 21:44.080 --> 21:46.542 distinguished service, and devotion 21:46.542 --> 21:49.375 above and beyond the call of duty. 21:49.614 --> 21:52.992 And this was clearly displayed on that Sunday, 21:52.992 --> 21:54.659 in December of 1941. 21:55.465 --> 21:58.837 Our ship's namesake, Lieutenant John Finn, 21:58.837 --> 22:00.920 a sailor's sailor, 22:01.119 --> 22:03.274 who not only, through his actions on that fateful 22:03.274 --> 22:06.191 December day, but more importantly, 22:06.242 --> 22:08.409 the way he lived his life, 22:08.552 --> 22:12.135 personified our Navy's time-honored values, 22:12.283 --> 22:16.450 our values, of honor, courage, and commitment. 22:17.981 --> 22:19.589 The honor of his actions, 22:19.589 --> 22:22.515 combined with a mental and physical courage 22:22.515 --> 22:26.302 to stand down an enemy against insurmountable odds, 22:26.302 --> 22:28.183 his profound commitment, 22:28.183 --> 22:31.367 especially his commitment to his sailors, 22:31.367 --> 22:35.117 a lesson he instilled in the men that he led, 22:35.405 --> 22:38.283 and inspired throughout his life of service. 22:38.283 --> 22:42.368 These values are part of Lieutenant John Finn's legacy, 22:42.368 --> 22:46.326 and provide an example for all of us to emulate. 22:46.326 --> 22:48.577 Then there's the phenomenal team that designed 22:48.577 --> 22:50.206 and built this ship. 22:50.206 --> 22:52.648 It is their work that has been so critical 22:52.648 --> 22:55.299 to the success that we celebrate today. 22:55.299 --> 22:58.597 It is a team that collectively exhibits those same values 22:58.597 --> 23:01.430 of honor, courage, and commitment. 23:01.706 --> 23:04.206 Turning loads of steel plates, 23:04.285 --> 23:07.870 and electronic components, into the magnificent warship 23:07.870 --> 23:09.037 we have today. 23:09.389 --> 23:12.527 It is my distinct honor to recognize this team, 23:12.527 --> 23:15.220 and acknowledge just a few key members. 23:15.220 --> 23:17.732 From the Navy, my Executive Director, 23:17.732 --> 23:19.565 Miss Bilyana Anderson; 23:20.705 --> 23:24.631 the ship's Program Manager, Captain Casey Moton; 23:24.631 --> 23:27.214 and his superb staff, including 23:27.217 --> 23:29.871 his production team led by Commander Dave Murray 23:29.871 --> 23:31.288 and Greg Pearson. 23:32.248 --> 23:34.668 The Navy team working shoulder-to-shoulder 23:34.668 --> 23:37.087 with the shipbuilder on the waterfront, 23:37.087 --> 23:39.628 is the Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast, 23:39.628 --> 23:41.971 led by Captain Brian Lawrence; 23:41.971 --> 23:46.138 represented today by his waterfront production team, 23:46.139 --> 23:48.222 Commander Scott Williams; 23:48.516 --> 23:50.641 and his deputy, Steve Lee; 23:50.641 --> 23:52.744 and their production team, Lieutenant-Commander 23:52.744 --> 23:56.911 Leonard Blanchfield, and Senior Chief Tim Merrill. 23:56.937 --> 23:59.770 Folks, thanks for a job well done. 24:00.022 --> 24:03.189 (audience applauding) 24:06.597 --> 24:09.991 I also wanna quickly acknowledge our industry partners: 24:09.991 --> 24:13.266 from Ingalls Shipbuilding, led by Brian Cuccias, 24:13.266 --> 24:16.031 Kari Wilkinson and George Nungesser; 24:16.031 --> 24:18.627 and Lockheed Martin, Brad Hicks. 24:18.627 --> 24:20.675 These individuals represent 24:20.675 --> 24:23.870 the thousands of men and women in the shipyard 24:23.870 --> 24:26.658 in Pascagoula, and across our system, 24:26.658 --> 24:29.886 and equipment suppliers, literally across the country, 24:29.886 --> 24:32.439 who've worked tirelessly over the past four years 24:32.439 --> 24:34.781 to bring this great ship to life, 24:34.781 --> 24:38.531 ensuring that she is built with the strength, 24:38.584 --> 24:42.068 the power, and the war-fighting capabilities 24:42.068 --> 24:44.588 that will outmatch any adversary. 24:44.588 --> 24:47.263 Like the ship's namesake, this tremendous team 24:47.263 --> 24:49.680 has shown us the superb deeds 24:49.762 --> 24:53.001 that can be accomplished through unity of purpose, 24:53.001 --> 24:56.623 and an abiding commitment to execution excellence, 24:56.623 --> 24:59.206 honor, courage, and commitment. 24:59.547 --> 25:02.032 I could not be more proud of their contributions, 25:02.032 --> 25:05.374 with a superb ship that they have built for our Navy. 25:05.374 --> 25:06.791 Well done, folks. 25:07.564 --> 25:09.397 To our ship's sponsor, 25:10.019 --> 25:12.602 Miss Laura Stavridis, thank you 25:12.732 --> 25:15.186 for your lifetime of selfless service 25:15.186 --> 25:19.019 as a Navy wife, a mother, a teacher; 25:19.280 --> 25:22.826 a life of service that continues here today. 25:22.826 --> 25:25.267 As the sponsor of this great warship, 25:25.267 --> 25:27.955 through your unique contributions, 25:27.955 --> 25:30.579 you have imbued this ship with your spirit, 25:30.579 --> 25:34.515 the spirit of a true American, a true American patriot, 25:34.515 --> 25:37.515 with honor, courage, and commitment. 25:37.942 --> 25:40.913 Your example will guide and inspire her, 25:40.913 --> 25:43.996 over calm waters and tumultuous seas, 25:44.084 --> 25:46.020 throughout her service length. 25:46.020 --> 25:48.103 Laura, many, many thanks. 25:48.222 --> 25:51.389 (audience applauding) 25:55.785 --> 25:59.952 And today, most importantly, to the crew: 26:00.966 --> 26:03.869 Captain Wagner, you and your crew 26:03.869 --> 26:06.099 stand ready to command control 26:06.099 --> 26:08.677 over the seas, and project American power 26:08.677 --> 26:12.427 in defense of freedom and liberty, worldwide. 26:12.430 --> 26:15.513 This team has built you a great ship. 26:15.537 --> 26:18.204 Mrs. Stavridis has instilled her 26:18.304 --> 26:21.491 with an indomitable and gracious spirit. 26:21.491 --> 26:25.197 You and your crew must now bring the courage, 26:25.197 --> 26:27.214 the war-fighting expertise, 26:27.214 --> 26:29.104 and the culture of excellence 26:29.104 --> 26:31.326 that will turn this ship into the most capable 26:31.326 --> 26:33.522 weapon systems in the world. 26:33.522 --> 26:35.635 I know you have worked tirelessly to form 26:35.635 --> 26:38.385 not only a crew, but a true team, 26:38.492 --> 26:40.823 a band of brothers and sisters. 26:40.823 --> 26:43.848 As you prepare to meet the unknown challenges ahead, 26:43.848 --> 26:46.557 please note that you sail forward 26:46.557 --> 26:50.557 with the hopes and prayers of a grateful nation. 26:50.957 --> 26:54.321 You are ready, and you will make a difference. 26:54.321 --> 26:56.904 John Finn, stand and fight 26:56.964 --> 26:59.794 with honor, courage, and commitment. 26:59.794 --> 27:00.911 Thank you. 27:00.911 --> 27:04.078 (audience applauding) 27:07.148 --> 27:09.035 - [Commander Minetree] Thank you, Admiral Galinis. 27:09.035 --> 27:11.117 Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Thomas Dee, 27:11.117 --> 27:15.284 performing the duties of Undersecretary of the Navy. 27:15.299 --> 27:18.466 (audience applauding) 27:20.134 --> 27:23.218 ^- Councilman Anderson, thank you for hosting us, 27:23.218 --> 27:24.839 ^and all the people of the State of Hawaii 27:24.839 --> 27:27.030 ^and this beautiful island in the Pacific. 27:27.030 --> 27:29.877 ^What better place to celebrate this commissioning 27:29.877 --> 27:31.210 than right here. 27:31.305 --> 27:33.799 Admiral Harris; Admiral Swift; 27:33.799 --> 27:36.882 Mrs. Stavridis and Admiral Stavridis; 27:37.266 --> 27:40.729 and to the many Admirals, General Officers, 27:40.729 --> 27:43.185 senior civilians here with us today; 27:43.185 --> 27:46.446 Mr. Joe Finn; and all of the family and friends 27:46.446 --> 27:49.584 of Chief Aviation Ordinanceman John Finn; 27:49.584 --> 27:51.979 and to the many distinguished guests from our Navy, 27:51.979 --> 27:55.002 from industry; from the historic and hallowed 27:55.002 --> 27:58.333 Port of Pearl Harbor; and to the crew 27:58.333 --> 28:02.325 of our Navy's newest warship, the USS John Finn; 28:02.325 --> 28:04.384 I'm honored to be here representing 28:04.384 --> 28:06.873 the Secretary of the Navy, as we celebrate 28:06.873 --> 28:11.040 the christening of our 63rd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. 28:12.034 --> 28:15.677 The ship before you will sail the world's oceans, 28:15.677 --> 28:19.057 protecting and defending America's national interests, 28:19.057 --> 28:20.513 with the latest version 28:20.513 --> 28:24.096 of the world's most advanced weapon system. 28:24.146 --> 28:26.479 Let me echo Admiral Galinis: 28:26.856 --> 28:29.579 Anna Mae, the nation will forever 28:29.579 --> 28:32.820 be indebted to your husband, Admiral Wayne Meyer, 28:32.820 --> 28:35.114 the father of the Aegis weapon system, 28:35.114 --> 28:37.925 for the innovation, the discipline, and the leadership 28:37.925 --> 28:42.092 he applied to enable the tremendous war-fighting capability 28:42.120 --> 28:44.258 that you see before us today. 28:44.258 --> 28:47.175 Thank you very much for being here. 28:47.269 --> 28:50.686 Mr. Cuccias, as I gaze upon this morning, 28:51.029 --> 28:53.077 as I gaze this morning upon this marvel 28:53.077 --> 28:56.348 of Naval engineering, and reflect on the contributions 28:56.348 --> 28:59.118 of the 62 Arleigh Burke destroyers 28:59.118 --> 29:01.532 already delivered and in commission, 29:01.532 --> 29:05.618 I congratulate you, the employees of Ingalls Shipbuilding, 29:05.618 --> 29:07.900 your partners at Lockheed Martin, 29:07.900 --> 29:10.396 Admiral Hicks, and your many suppliers, 29:10.396 --> 29:13.806 and the entire U.S. shipbuilding industrial base, 29:13.806 --> 29:16.336 for your world-class craftsmanship 29:16.336 --> 29:18.329 and engineering expertise. 29:18.329 --> 29:20.981 And I also salute you for fostering 29:20.981 --> 29:23.648 this critical industry within America. 29:23.648 --> 29:25.831 What could be more motivating 29:25.831 --> 29:29.181 to the nation's aspiring Naval architects, engineers, 29:29.181 --> 29:32.994 logisticians, technicians, and management students, 29:32.994 --> 29:34.762 than an opportunity to contribute 29:34.762 --> 29:37.794 to such a powerful product and symbol 29:37.794 --> 29:40.722 of American ingenuity and engineering. 29:40.722 --> 29:43.607 Thank you, and your superb team of shipbuilders, 29:43.607 --> 29:46.109 in partnership with our acquisition team 29:46.109 --> 29:48.561 led by Admiral Galinis and our Program Manager 29:48.561 --> 29:51.978 Captain Casey Moton, for a job well done. 29:52.429 --> 29:55.715 I'm inspired by the heroism of the ship's namesake, 29:55.715 --> 29:58.882 John Finn, leaving his home in Kaneohe 29:58.920 --> 30:02.697 at the sound of gunfire, and heading into the fight, 30:02.697 --> 30:06.059 taking charge of his men and exposing himself 30:06.059 --> 30:10.226 to waves of enemy fire while heroically manning his guns 30:10.235 --> 30:13.652 to repel the relentless Japanese attacks; 30:13.983 --> 30:17.223 taking 21 bullet and fragmentation wounds 30:17.223 --> 30:18.964 in the course of the battle, 30:18.964 --> 30:23.044 but not seeking medical attention until the fight was over. 30:23.044 --> 30:26.017 And upon being awarded the Medal of Honor, 30:26.017 --> 30:28.006 claiming he had done nothing 30:28.006 --> 30:31.459 compared with the heroism displayed by others. 30:31.459 --> 30:35.308 Heroism is not listed as a core attribute of the Navy, 30:35.308 --> 30:37.466 but John Finn thoroughly displayed 30:37.466 --> 30:40.806 integrity, accountability, initiative and toughness, 30:40.806 --> 30:43.889 that morning, 75 years ago. 30:44.250 --> 30:46.667 Captain Mike Wagner, Skipper, 30:46.698 --> 30:48.984 you will soon take command of the newest ship 30:48.984 --> 30:50.976 in the commission of the U.S. Navy, 30:50.976 --> 30:53.137 crewed by our nation's best, 30:53.137 --> 30:55.324 blessed with the technical capabilities 30:55.324 --> 30:57.181 delivered by our industry partners 30:57.181 --> 30:59.036 and acquisition professionals, 30:59.036 --> 31:02.413 with the grace and support of our distinguished sponsor, 31:02.413 --> 31:04.075 Mrs. Laura Stavridis, 31:04.075 --> 31:07.498 and with the fighting spirit of Chief Aviation Ordinanceman 31:07.498 --> 31:08.914 John William Finn. 31:08.914 --> 31:12.274 You and your crew will operate these 9,200 tons 31:12.274 --> 31:15.595 of sovereign U.S. territory, far from home, 31:15.595 --> 31:18.248 and when needed, you will steam towards the sound 31:18.248 --> 31:21.904 of gunfire, with all of the integrity, accountability, 31:21.904 --> 31:25.908 initiative, and toughness that inspires our Navy, 31:25.908 --> 31:28.325 and leads to heroic outcomes. 31:28.477 --> 31:30.015 To all in the audience, 31:30.015 --> 31:32.343 to the many, many stakeholders who could not be here 31:32.343 --> 31:34.468 today, to all of our Sailors and Marines, 31:34.468 --> 31:36.323 and our veterans around the world, 31:36.323 --> 31:39.359 thank you for your commitments and your partnership. 31:39.359 --> 31:41.973 I'm very proud to call you all shipmates. 31:41.973 --> 31:44.230 Godspeed, USS John Finn. 31:44.230 --> 31:45.063 Thank you. 31:45.636 --> 31:48.803 (audience applauding) 31:51.452 --> 31:53.476 - [Commander Minetree] Thank you, Mr. Dee. 31:53.476 --> 31:55.917 Ladies and gentlemen, Admiral Scott Swift, 31:55.917 --> 32:00.084 United States Navy, Commander, United States Pacific Fleet. 32:00.192 --> 32:03.359 (audience applauding) 32:06.256 --> 32:07.943 ^- Thanks, XO. 32:07.943 --> 32:11.529 ^Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and aloha, 32:11.529 --> 32:15.317 ^honored guests, fellow Flag and General Officers, 32:15.317 --> 32:19.223 and especially the family and friends of John Finn. 32:19.223 --> 32:22.021 It's an honor and pleasure to join you here this morning 32:22.021 --> 32:25.427 to welcome the Navy's newest guided missile destroyer, 32:25.427 --> 32:28.029 to the United States Pacific Fleet. 32:28.029 --> 32:30.717 My role here today is to introduce my boss, 32:30.717 --> 32:33.461 which is an easy task, one of the easier tasks I've had 32:33.461 --> 32:35.734 over the last week, because he truly is a man 32:35.734 --> 32:37.587 who needs no introduction. 32:37.587 --> 32:41.754 So I find myself standing before you with nothing to do. 32:42.089 --> 32:44.488 Never being one to let time go wasted, 32:44.488 --> 32:47.061 I'd like to quickly highlight why this commissioning 32:47.061 --> 32:50.255 is so important to me, as the Pacific Fleet Commander. 32:50.255 --> 32:53.172 From a professional perspective, today's commissioning 32:53.172 --> 32:56.528 resonates with me, as the USS John Finn 32:56.528 --> 33:00.695 enters service here, in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, 33:00.803 --> 33:04.483 as we once again face challenges to the peace 33:04.483 --> 33:08.650 and security that the rules-based international system 33:08.813 --> 33:11.980 has provided for over 70 years. 33:12.143 --> 33:15.662 The impressive capabilities of John Finn 33:15.662 --> 33:19.155 brings to the fleet critical capability, 33:19.155 --> 33:22.526 and reminds those that would challenge us, 33:22.526 --> 33:25.648 gives them reason to pause, and reinforce 33:25.648 --> 33:28.231 America's unwavering commitment 33:28.497 --> 33:32.664 to our allies, partners, and friends in this region. 33:33.675 --> 33:36.092 This ship bears a proud name, 33:36.171 --> 33:38.960 and I have no doubt that the Pacific Fleet Sailors 33:38.960 --> 33:41.280 who will sail her over the horizon 33:41.280 --> 33:44.651 will embody John Finn's example of initiative, 33:44.651 --> 33:47.318 bravery, and toughness, 33:47.866 --> 33:52.033 as they chart her future in defense of our nation. 33:52.882 --> 33:55.393 When war came to the windward Oahu, 33:55.393 --> 33:58.643 75 years ago, John Finn did not hesitate 33:58.643 --> 34:01.298 to take station, return fire, 34:01.298 --> 34:03.751 and lead his sailors in the fight, 34:03.751 --> 34:06.182 despite his own extensive wounds. 34:06.182 --> 34:09.084 His courage that morning inspires present 34:09.084 --> 34:12.310 and future sailors, and embodies a heritage 34:12.310 --> 34:15.893 of excellence that we are both obligated 34:15.937 --> 34:19.186 and privileged to continue, and build upon, 34:19.186 --> 34:21.061 through our own service. 34:21.061 --> 34:24.658 From a personal perspective, today's commissioning 34:24.658 --> 34:28.349 resonates with me, as my first Commanding Officer 34:28.349 --> 34:31.182 assignment was in the early 1990s, 34:31.182 --> 34:33.668 as a young Lieutenant-Commander, when I was assigned 34:33.668 --> 34:36.760 to command the Strike Fighter Weapon School, 34:36.760 --> 34:38.677 in Lemoore, California. 34:38.798 --> 34:42.303 At times, the fact that John Finn was a Medal of Honor 34:42.303 --> 34:44.723 recipient, overshadows the fact 34:44.723 --> 34:46.785 that he was an Ordinanceman. 34:46.785 --> 34:49.256 To the Ordinancemen past and present, 34:49.256 --> 34:52.282 he is thought of first as one of them, 34:52.282 --> 34:54.199 and they a part of him. 34:54.521 --> 34:57.310 At the Weapons School in Lemoore, John Finn 34:57.310 --> 34:59.661 and his story was central to our mission 34:59.661 --> 35:02.900 of training, and certifying both Ordinancemen 35:02.900 --> 35:07.067 and Aviators to employ the FA-18 weapon system. 35:07.478 --> 35:09.938 We had a plaque dedicated in John's honor 35:09.938 --> 35:12.886 that still stands today, at the entrance of the school, 35:12.886 --> 35:16.113 embedded in a large stone from the Sierras. 35:16.113 --> 35:19.914 We were honored to have John attend its dedication; 35:19.914 --> 35:21.669 he was personable, 35:21.669 --> 35:24.629 effusive in his praise for today's Sailors, 35:24.629 --> 35:27.154 especially Ordinancemen, and humble 35:27.154 --> 35:29.503 in all things attributed to him, 35:29.503 --> 35:32.272 repeating over and over again that day: 35:32.272 --> 35:35.454 I did no more than any one of you could, 35:35.454 --> 35:38.740 and would have, in the same circumstances. 35:38.740 --> 35:41.807 It is a fitting testament to the enduring impact 35:41.807 --> 35:45.974 America's World War II heroes had, more than 35:46.000 --> 35:49.473 seven decades ago, after the attack of Pearl Harbor, 35:49.473 --> 35:52.317 that we are gathered here today to honor him 35:52.317 --> 35:56.172 as a starring member of the Greatest Generation. 35:56.172 --> 35:59.255 Their legacy of service and sacrifice 35:59.268 --> 36:03.168 for America's security, persists today, 36:03.168 --> 36:06.205 as their children now lead the vanguard 36:06.205 --> 36:08.624 of defending our national values. 36:08.624 --> 36:11.434 Which brings me to our speaker today. 36:11.434 --> 36:13.471 Earlier, I spoke of Admiral Harris 36:13.471 --> 36:15.617 as a man who needs no introduction, 36:15.617 --> 36:17.419 certainly to this audience. 36:17.419 --> 36:21.221 But here are a few details you may not know about him: 36:21.221 --> 36:23.851 he's a son of a Navy Chief Petty Officer, 36:23.851 --> 36:26.851 who steamed aboard the USS Lexington 36:26.857 --> 36:29.440 during the battle of Coral Sea. 36:29.692 --> 36:33.859 Surviving her sinking, he was eventually rescued at sea, 36:34.284 --> 36:36.377 just a few short months 36:36.377 --> 36:39.960 after John Finn's brave actions at Kaneohe. 36:40.126 --> 36:43.300 Admiral Harris' father continued to serve with honor 36:43.300 --> 36:45.467 throughout the remainder of the war, 36:45.467 --> 36:47.910 eventually coming to serve in Japan 36:47.910 --> 36:49.856 during the post-year wars. 36:49.856 --> 36:52.486 There, he met and married his wife. 36:52.486 --> 36:56.167 I am sure neither imagined, in their wildest dreams, 36:56.167 --> 36:59.926 that their young son from such unique origins, 36:59.926 --> 37:02.593 would come to command 37:03.658 --> 37:05.297 the Pacific Command. 37:05.297 --> 37:08.068 Though Admiral Harris was inspired to join 37:08.068 --> 37:11.924 by the military stories of his father's experience, 37:11.924 --> 37:14.474 along with those of several of his uncles 37:14.474 --> 37:17.448 who also served, it was his mother's example 37:17.448 --> 37:21.086 of grace, humility, and sacrifice, 37:21.086 --> 37:24.247 that taught him the true meaning of service. 37:24.247 --> 37:26.905 During his career as a Naval Flight Officer, 37:26.905 --> 37:29.545 Admiral Harris has logged over 37:29.545 --> 37:31.819 4,400 flight hours; 37:31.819 --> 37:34.986 400 of which were conducted in combat; 37:35.304 --> 37:37.968 has held numerous commands; has served 37:37.968 --> 37:42.032 in every geographic combat and command throughout the world. 37:42.032 --> 37:44.033 Today, he leads our military throughout 37:44.033 --> 37:47.676 the Indo-Asia-Pacific, to provide the security 37:47.676 --> 37:51.062 and stability that all nations in this region 37:51.062 --> 37:54.100 have enjoyed since the end of World War II, 37:54.100 --> 37:57.903 and that his father, along with so many others, 37:57.903 --> 37:59.486 fought so hard for. 37:59.780 --> 38:03.301 His experience truly spans generations, 38:03.301 --> 38:06.218 from his father's service throughout World War II, 38:06.218 --> 38:10.335 to his responsibilities for providing for the security, 38:10.335 --> 38:13.488 and from that security, the stability, 38:13.488 --> 38:16.204 and from that stability, the prosperity 38:16.204 --> 38:19.098 that we have enjoyed so much throughout the world, 38:19.098 --> 38:21.175 since the end of World War II. 38:21.175 --> 38:23.271 Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure 38:23.271 --> 38:25.510 to introduce to you, the Commander 38:25.510 --> 38:29.010 of U.S. Pacific Forces, Pacific. 38:29.058 --> 38:32.225 (audience applauding) 38:37.607 --> 38:40.627 - Note to self: never follow a tall man to the podium. 38:40.627 --> 38:42.464 Ladies and gentlemen, let's give it up one more time 38:42.464 --> 38:43.725 for the Pacific Fleet Band 38:43.725 --> 38:47.235 and that awesome rendition of our National Anthem. 38:47.235 --> 38:50.402 (audience applauding) 38:53.038 --> 38:56.785 ^Thanks, now, so one can never be sure what a fighter pilot 38:56.785 --> 38:59.021 ^is gonna say when he's in the position 38:59.021 --> 39:03.188 ^to introduce P-3 NFO, so thanks for that great introduction. 39:03.275 --> 39:05.400 And thanks for the keys to this new ship. 39:05.400 --> 39:08.067 It even has that new-ship smell. 39:08.520 --> 39:10.765 So I'm honored to join Admiral Swift 39:10.765 --> 39:13.815 and our other guest speakers, Councilman Anderson, 39:13.815 --> 39:17.424 Mr. Cuccias, Secretary Dee, and Admiral Galinis, 39:17.424 --> 39:18.482 to the podium. 39:18.482 --> 39:21.236 Thank you all for your inspirational remarks. 39:21.236 --> 39:23.322 And being the last speaker today, 39:23.322 --> 39:26.555 I know that all the good things have already been said 39:26.555 --> 39:30.076 and the only thing separating you all from the reception 39:30.076 --> 39:31.659 is, well, me. 39:31.663 --> 39:35.142 So I'll get on with it, so we can let the festivities begin. 39:35.142 --> 39:37.850 But before starting, I would like to recognize 39:37.850 --> 39:40.302 the family of Lieutenant John Finn, 39:40.302 --> 39:43.460 including his son Joe, and more than 50 relatives 39:43.460 --> 39:46.877 who are here for this momentous occasion. 39:47.116 --> 39:50.283 (audience applauding) 39:55.487 --> 39:59.111 Now, this ship definitely got a winner 39:59.111 --> 40:02.193 in having Larua Stavridis as the sponsor. 40:02.193 --> 40:04.195 So I've been fortunate to know Laura 40:04.195 --> 40:07.569 and her husband Admiral Jim Stavridis for decades. 40:07.569 --> 40:09.806 Admiral Stavridis once wrote a book 40:09.806 --> 40:11.809 called "The Accidental Admiral", 40:11.809 --> 40:14.915 but anyone who knows Laura knows that she's really 40:14.915 --> 40:18.665 the reason why he was the inevitable Admiral. 40:18.813 --> 40:21.032 Mr. Cuccias and all our industry partners 40:21.032 --> 40:23.553 in attendance, thank you very much 40:23.553 --> 40:25.980 for delivering such an awesome ship. 40:25.980 --> 40:28.794 Folks, American industry builds great ships, 40:28.794 --> 40:30.245 the best in the world. 40:30.245 --> 40:33.506 Consider for a moment, that the last captain 40:33.506 --> 40:36.089 of this ship is yet to be born; 40:36.095 --> 40:38.768 now that is a return on investment 40:38.768 --> 40:40.917 for the American taxpayer. 40:40.917 --> 40:43.102 State and City leaders, as team members 40:43.102 --> 40:45.481 of our consular and diplomatic corps, 40:45.481 --> 40:47.274 Admirals Fargo and Gronke, 40:47.274 --> 40:49.987 Captain Kearns and everyone on the commissioning committee, 40:49.987 --> 40:53.451 thank you for crafting such a beautiful ceremony. 40:53.451 --> 40:55.281 On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy, 40:55.281 --> 40:57.785 Sean Stackley, and our CNO Admiral Richardson, 40:57.785 --> 40:59.618 Bravo Zulu; well done. 41:00.211 --> 41:03.292 Fellow Flag and General Officers, active and retired, 41:03.292 --> 41:05.755 and a special shout-out to Admiral Graynard, 41:05.755 --> 41:07.724 to Admiral Mackey, Admiral Stavridis, 41:07.724 --> 41:09.164 and General Bramlett, 41:09.164 --> 41:11.422 distinguished guests, and most importantly, 41:11.422 --> 41:13.463 Captain Mike Wagner and the crew 41:13.463 --> 41:15.362 of the about-to-be commissioned, 41:15.362 --> 41:18.252 as soon as I stop talking, the USS John Finn. 41:18.252 --> 41:20.502 Welcome to Pacific Command. 41:20.613 --> 41:21.446 Ladies and-- 41:21.446 --> 41:24.613 (audience applauding) 41:26.326 --> 41:29.419 ladies and gentlemen, the Navy has a glorious history 41:29.419 --> 41:32.538 of naming ships after heroes in epic battles, 41:32.538 --> 41:35.373 where women and men rose above themselves 41:35.373 --> 41:37.363 to join a pantheon of legends 41:37.363 --> 41:38.928 who defended our country, 41:38.928 --> 41:42.011 often giving their last full measure. 41:42.041 --> 41:45.137 Medal of Honor recipient John Finn's gallant deeds, 41:45.137 --> 41:47.787 here on Oahu, 75 years ago, 41:47.787 --> 41:50.007 are part of that milieu. 41:50.007 --> 41:52.252 Now, I'll pause for a quick second, 41:52.252 --> 41:54.359 and to say that I don't know what milieu means, 41:54.359 --> 41:55.845 but it sounds French, 41:55.845 --> 41:58.182 and if you use a French word every now and then, 41:58.182 --> 42:00.771 people think you're polished and sophisticated, 42:00.771 --> 42:02.422 and they pay attention. 42:02.422 --> 42:04.426 So anyway, John Finn's milieu 42:04.426 --> 42:06.740 was Naval Air Station Kaneohe Bay, 42:06.740 --> 42:08.799 just over those mountains. 42:08.799 --> 42:11.150 And as history tells us, on the morning 42:11.150 --> 42:13.275 of December seventh, 1941, 42:13.275 --> 42:17.284 then Chief Aviation Ordinanceman, Finn leaped to action 42:17.284 --> 42:20.925 as wave after wave of Imperial Japanese planes 42:20.925 --> 42:22.579 attacked that airfield. 42:22.579 --> 42:25.301 Finn manned a .50-caliber machine-gun, and 42:25.301 --> 42:27.873 despite being wounded over 20 times, 42:27.873 --> 42:30.226 he continued to take the fight to the enemy 42:30.226 --> 42:33.659 for over two hours, until the attacks ended. 42:33.659 --> 42:35.832 Folks hear a lot of colorful quotes 42:35.832 --> 42:37.749 from John Finn himself, 42:37.961 --> 42:41.483 about his experiences on that day of infamy, 42:41.483 --> 42:43.613 and I've been advised not to use any of them, 42:43.613 --> 42:47.613 because I can't say four-letter words in public. 42:47.762 --> 42:50.731 Fortunately though, I did find one repeatable sentence, 42:50.731 --> 42:53.428 where he said, in quote, "Of course I got 42:53.428 --> 42:56.073 the hell shot out of me, but it didn't kill me, 42:56.073 --> 42:59.365 and if you ain't dead, you can still manage", unquote. 42:59.365 --> 43:03.114 Now those are the words of a Chief Petty Officer: 43:03.114 --> 43:05.968 tough, practical, and strong 43:05.968 --> 43:09.504 as the steel in this gleaming ship behind me. 43:09.504 --> 43:11.726 Thankfully, America's always been blessed 43:11.726 --> 43:15.023 to have strong women and men who find the will, 43:15.023 --> 43:18.645 who summon the courage to endure against overwhelming odds; 43:18.645 --> 43:21.566 patriots like John Finn, who answer the call 43:21.566 --> 43:24.863 to defend our nation in her darkest hour. 43:24.863 --> 43:28.747 As we gather today, I can't think of a more fitting place 43:28.747 --> 43:32.118 to commission this ship, than right here at Pearl Harbor, 43:32.118 --> 43:34.568 where we can honor the legacy of John Finn 43:34.568 --> 43:37.212 and all Americans from the Greatest Generation, 43:37.212 --> 43:41.377 and reflect on the blessings, and the costs of liberty. 43:41.377 --> 43:44.153 With today's commissioning, the gallantry 43:44.153 --> 43:46.102 of John Finn is rekindled, 43:46.102 --> 43:49.215 once again lighting the way to inspire men and women 43:49.215 --> 43:52.545 who serve aboard this warship to do as he did, 43:52.545 --> 43:54.545 to stand fast and fight. 43:55.143 --> 43:58.560 That's the ship's motto: Status Et Pugno, 43:58.652 --> 44:02.817 but I prefer simply, Pugno Pugno Pugno. 44:02.817 --> 44:06.033 That's Tennessee Latin for we're ready to fight, 44:06.033 --> 44:08.605 to fight, and to fight. 44:08.605 --> 44:11.203 Coincidentally, the PACOM mission statement 44:11.203 --> 44:13.273 is to be ready to fight tonight. 44:13.273 --> 44:15.346 So I predict that this ship and this crew 44:15.346 --> 44:18.755 will fit in just fine, here in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, 44:18.755 --> 44:22.702 a region inextricably linked to America's future security 44:22.702 --> 44:24.702 and economic prosperity. 44:25.261 --> 44:28.261 Indeed, America is a Pacific nation, 44:28.303 --> 44:31.470 a Pacific leader, and a Pacific power; 44:31.584 --> 44:34.751 it always has been and always will be. 44:34.792 --> 44:37.255 We believe in peace through strength, 44:37.255 --> 44:39.651 smart power backed by hard power, 44:39.651 --> 44:42.709 and this ship, hard power personified, 44:42.709 --> 44:46.412 sends a clear signal to our allies, to our friends, 44:46.412 --> 44:50.382 and to our adversaries, that we will remain laser-focused 44:50.382 --> 44:53.471 on the Indo-Asia-Pacific because what happens here 44:53.471 --> 44:55.678 matters to the United States. 44:55.678 --> 44:58.028 That's why we're sending our best people, 44:58.028 --> 45:02.104 and our best platforms, to this region, like the John Finn. 45:02.104 --> 45:04.248 This is the first new construction ship built 45:04.248 --> 45:08.140 from the keel up, with an Aegis baseline nine weapon system. 45:08.140 --> 45:09.864 Now I'm not much of a tech guy, 45:09.864 --> 45:11.752 I even have an analog watch, 45:11.752 --> 45:14.306 but fortunately my outstanding aide, 45:14.306 --> 45:18.206 Lieutenant-Commander Adrian Rosetti, is a destroyer driver. 45:18.206 --> 45:20.930 She explained to me that the baseline nine 45:20.930 --> 45:23.644 is a sine qua non of combat systems, 45:23.644 --> 45:27.561 that allows this ship to simultaneously conduct 45:27.958 --> 45:31.458 air warfare and ballistic missile defense. 45:31.712 --> 45:34.202 Adrian, sine qua non? 45:34.202 --> 45:36.185 Really? (audience laughing) 45:36.185 --> 45:39.274 For my simple mind, that means that John Finn 45:39.274 --> 45:43.441 brings both the saber and the shield to the fight. 45:43.448 --> 45:47.615 America know-how to get 'er done anytime, and anywhere. 45:48.037 --> 45:51.004 Surely, the advanced combat systems in John Finn, 45:51.004 --> 45:54.821 coupled with the innovative spirit and the killer instinct 45:54.821 --> 45:58.127 of her amazing crew, are powerful reminders 45:58.127 --> 46:00.366 of our readiness to fight tonight. 46:00.366 --> 46:04.176 This warship is the embodiment of America's resolve 46:04.176 --> 46:07.374 to protect our homeland, and defend our allies. 46:07.374 --> 46:10.719 Now, I've been accused of having an insatiable appetite 46:10.719 --> 46:13.760 for stuff: more ships, more subs, 46:13.760 --> 46:15.853 more planes, more battalions; 46:15.853 --> 46:18.271 more stuff to fight the many forces of darkness 46:18.271 --> 46:21.243 in my neighborhood; forces like North Korea, 46:21.243 --> 46:24.796 a nation ruled with an iron fist by a reckless dictator. 46:24.796 --> 46:28.292 To that, I'll simply say guilty as charged. 46:28.292 --> 46:31.300 As long as our Commander-in-Chief and the American people 46:31.300 --> 46:33.886 have an insatiable appetite for security, 46:33.886 --> 46:36.136 then I'll have an insatiable appetite 46:36.136 --> 46:38.972 for the tools to underwrite that security; 46:38.972 --> 46:42.305 to deter, to dissuade, and if necessary, 46:42.335 --> 46:45.727 to defeat and then destroy our adversaries. 46:45.727 --> 46:49.797 Make no mistake, capabilities like the magnificent machine 46:49.797 --> 46:52.214 behind me, will do just that. 46:53.159 --> 46:56.439 When I visit our friends, our partners, and allies 46:56.439 --> 46:58.518 around the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, 46:58.518 --> 47:01.207 I'll be proud to point to this ship 47:01.207 --> 47:04.581 as yet another example that America remains 47:04.581 --> 47:08.081 as committed as ever to this vital region. 47:08.397 --> 47:10.327 In my opinion, we can't get 47:10.327 --> 47:13.626 our most advanced assets here fast enough. 47:13.626 --> 47:17.470 As North Korea's recent ICBM test demonstrates, 47:17.470 --> 47:21.137 as Chinese and Russian aggressiveness grows, 47:21.564 --> 47:25.467 as ISIS tries to gain a foothold in our region, 47:25.467 --> 47:28.050 the USS John Finn couldn't come 47:28.091 --> 47:31.059 to the Indo-Asia-Pacific at a more pivotal moment 47:31.059 --> 47:33.059 in our nation's history. 47:33.242 --> 47:35.410 Folks, make no mistake about it, 47:35.410 --> 47:39.461 while this is a Navy ceremony, and this is a Navy day, 47:39.461 --> 47:42.677 we now live in a world where we must learn, 47:42.677 --> 47:46.344 think, and fight jointly, and rightfully so. 47:47.001 --> 47:49.114 So today, we go back to the roots 47:49.114 --> 47:52.812 of not only America's Navy, but of our Marine Corps, 47:52.812 --> 47:56.097 our Army, and Air Force, as we take special note 47:56.097 --> 48:00.128 of what lies at the very core of the Joint Force: 48:00.128 --> 48:04.295 the continuing recognition, indeed, celebration, 48:04.719 --> 48:08.500 of who we are and what we value as military leaders: 48:08.500 --> 48:11.169 the absolute nature of accountability, 48:11.169 --> 48:14.627 the science of command, and the art of leadership. 48:14.627 --> 48:18.491 Captain Wagner, yours is an awesome responsibility. 48:18.491 --> 48:21.056 I know you will not take this duty lightly. 48:21.056 --> 48:22.556 And to the Sailors 48:22.587 --> 48:25.310 who are about to bring this ship to life, 48:25.310 --> 48:27.761 I remind you that the United States 48:27.761 --> 48:31.678 is defined by her storied past, and invigorated 48:31.741 --> 48:33.658 by her balanced future. 48:33.845 --> 48:36.847 Be emboldened by the Greatest Generation, 48:36.847 --> 48:38.750 who placed our country's interests 48:38.750 --> 48:40.966 above their self-interests. 48:40.966 --> 48:44.720 Rise to meet today's challenges to liberty and freedom, 48:44.720 --> 48:46.881 for you are the next generation 48:46.881 --> 48:49.486 upon which America's future depends. 48:49.486 --> 48:52.921 Ladies and gentlemen, this is indeed a thrilling 48:52.921 --> 48:54.338 and historic day. 48:54.536 --> 48:58.536 USS John Finn is about to join the Pacific Fleet 48:58.602 --> 49:00.225 and the Joint Force. 49:00.225 --> 49:03.070 This ship and her crew are ready to sail 49:03.070 --> 49:07.237 into harm's way, and assume the critical mission 49:07.266 --> 49:09.933 of safeguarding our nation's interests 49:09.933 --> 49:12.016 in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. 49:12.135 --> 49:14.834 This ship's name is fitting, for the best 49:14.834 --> 49:18.244 joint fighting force the world has ever seen 49:18.244 --> 49:21.661 exists today because of the men and women 49:22.279 --> 49:25.824 who did their duty right here on this island, 49:25.824 --> 49:27.574 75 years ago. 49:27.602 --> 49:30.006 So I'll close by reminding you 49:30.006 --> 49:32.233 that although, looking at John Finn 49:32.233 --> 49:34.550 and most from the Greatest Generation 49:34.550 --> 49:38.455 are no longer with us, we can still hear their duties, 49:38.455 --> 49:42.622 their stories of duty, of honor, and of courage. 49:43.567 --> 49:46.484 Their spirits walk amongst us 49:46.583 --> 49:50.166 and with us, and call to us still. 49:50.654 --> 49:53.737 Today, we've answered that call 49:53.859 --> 49:58.026 with a mighty warship bearing a legendary fighting name, 49:58.089 --> 50:00.497 a tribute to their heroic actions 50:00.497 --> 50:02.360 that will never be forgotten. 50:02.360 --> 50:04.418 May God bless all of you; 50:04.418 --> 50:07.188 may God bless the Sailors, present and future, 50:07.188 --> 50:09.365 who will man USS John Finn; 50:09.365 --> 50:12.048 and may God bless the United States of America, 50:12.048 --> 50:15.402 which has always been, and forever shall be, 50:15.402 --> 50:17.381 the home of the free and the land of the brave. 50:17.381 --> 50:18.888 Thank you very much. 50:18.888 --> 50:22.055 (audience applauding) 50:30.843 --> 50:32.848 - [Commander Minetree] Thank you, Admiral Harris. 50:32.848 --> 50:36.765 Ladies and gentlemen, Commander Michael Wagner. 50:36.875 --> 50:40.042 (audience applauding) 50:46.469 --> 50:47.717 - Thank you, Admiral Harris. 50:47.717 --> 50:49.460 Sir, I'd be honored if you would now 50:49.460 --> 50:51.960 place John Finn in commission. 50:57.479 --> 50:59.279 - For the President of the United States, 50:59.279 --> 51:03.439 I hereby place United States Ship John Finn in commission. 51:03.439 --> 51:06.197 May God bless and guide this warship 51:06.197 --> 51:08.197 and all who sail in her. 51:08.582 --> 51:12.749 (audience cheering and applauding) 51:18.312 --> 51:19.469 - Thank you, Admiral. 51:19.469 --> 51:23.181 Executive Officer, hoist the colors and commission pennant. 51:23.181 --> 51:24.678 - [Commander Minetree] Aye-aye, sir. 51:24.678 --> 51:27.095 Jigs Company, a ten-hut! 51:28.222 --> 51:31.055 Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. 51:32.427 --> 51:34.754 I direct your attention to the ship's mast, 51:34.754 --> 51:37.356 foksal, and fantail, as we hoist the colors 51:37.356 --> 51:39.273 and commission pennant. 51:39.333 --> 51:43.281 Quartermaster, hoist the colors and commission pennant. 51:43.281 --> 51:45.470 - [Quartermaster] Aye-aye ma'am! 51:45.470 --> 51:47.803 (drum-roll) 52:03.261 --> 52:05.092 - [Commander Minetree] Captain, the colors 52:05.092 --> 52:07.893 and commission pennant are flying over USS John Finn. 52:07.893 --> 52:09.763 - [Captain Wagner] Very well. 52:09.763 --> 52:10.931 - [Commander Minetree] Ladies and gentlemen, 52:10.931 --> 52:12.348 please be seated. 52:17.286 --> 52:19.569 ^- I will now read my orders. 52:19.569 --> 52:22.862 ^From Commander Naval Military Personnel Command, 52:22.862 --> 52:26.114 ^to Commander Michael K. Wagner, United States Navy, 52:26.114 --> 52:29.862 subject, BUPERS order number 2164, 52:29.862 --> 52:32.445 of four, August, 2014: 52:32.508 --> 52:34.555 when directed by reporting senior, 52:34.555 --> 52:38.055 detach in October, 2014, from present duty 52:38.074 --> 52:42.079 and report to pre-commissioning unit John Finn, DDG-113, 52:42.079 --> 52:43.730 as Commanding Officer. 52:43.730 --> 52:46.196 Upon commissioning of USS John Finn, 52:46.196 --> 52:49.363 report for duty as Commanding Officer. 52:50.153 --> 52:52.457 Admiral Swift, United States Ship John Finn 52:52.457 --> 52:54.973 is in commission, and I am in command, sir. 52:54.973 --> 52:56.597 - [Admiral Swift] Very well. 52:56.597 --> 52:58.014 - Thank you, sir. 52:58.140 --> 53:01.307 (audience applauding) 53:07.011 --> 53:09.747 Executive Officer, set the first watch. 53:09.747 --> 53:11.162 - [Commander Minetree] Aye-aye, sir! 53:11.162 --> 53:13.877 Officer of the deck, set the first watch. 53:13.877 --> 53:15.960 - [Woman] Aye-aye, ma'am! 53:20.141 --> 53:21.457 - [Commander Minetree] The Officer of the Deck 53:21.457 --> 53:23.550 is the Commanding Officer's direct representative, 53:23.550 --> 53:25.101 and while on watch is responsible 53:25.101 --> 53:27.933 for the safe operation of the ship and crew. 53:27.933 --> 53:30.095 The long glass is a traditional symbol 53:30.095 --> 53:31.467 of an Officer of the Deck's authority, 53:31.467 --> 53:33.025 and a ship of the line. 53:33.025 --> 53:36.032 We are pleased to have Lieutenant John Finn's son, 53:36.032 --> 53:38.365 Mr. Joe Finn, in attendance. 53:38.418 --> 53:40.110 Mr. Finn will pass the long glass 53:40.110 --> 53:43.107 to Lieutenant Kerry Pitman, from Bristol Tennessee, 53:43.107 --> 53:46.943 our ship's navigator, and the First Officer of the Deck. 53:46.943 --> 53:49.429 Our quarter deck is being led by Sailor of the Year, 53:49.429 --> 53:51.759 Petty Officer First Class Latee Smith, 53:51.759 --> 53:53.676 from Chicago, Illinois. 53:54.094 --> 53:55.687 The Petty Officer of the watch 53:55.687 --> 53:58.111 is Petty Officer First Class Ashley Kenige, 53:58.111 --> 53:59.944 from Fruita, Colorado. 53:59.976 --> 54:02.969 The Messenger of the watch is Petty Officer Second Class 54:02.969 --> 54:06.469 Kelly McCauseland, from Riverton, Wyoming. 54:06.862 --> 54:08.993 And the Boatswain Mate of the watch 54:08.993 --> 54:13.160 is steam-man Eric Irish, from Queensbury, New York. 54:13.809 --> 54:17.976 (whistle blowing) (audience applauding) 54:24.181 --> 54:27.348 - Set the watch, on-deck, section one. 54:30.743 --> 54:32.806 - [Woman] Ma'am, the watch is set. 54:32.806 --> 54:33.806 - Very well. 54:47.281 --> 54:49.864 Captain, sir, the watch is set. 54:50.337 --> 54:51.337 - Very well. 54:55.750 --> 54:57.436 We are delighted to have our sponsor, 54:57.436 --> 55:00.089 Mrs. Laura Stavridis here, this morning. 55:00.089 --> 55:02.429 Laura christened the ship in Pascagoula, 55:02.429 --> 55:04.846 back in May of 2015. 55:04.880 --> 55:08.261 Laura, I would be honored if you'd come join me, 55:08.261 --> 55:09.283 make a few remarks, 55:09.283 --> 55:13.450 and give the order to man our ship and bring her to life. 55:14.452 --> 55:17.619 (audience applauding) 55:20.885 --> 55:22.334 - Good morning, everyone. 55:22.334 --> 55:25.182 ^What a beautiful day in Hawaii, huh? 55:25.182 --> 55:29.319 ^A little hot, sorry about that, but it's a beautiful day. 55:29.319 --> 55:32.781 I want to begin, simply by saying thank you 55:32.781 --> 55:35.594 to the former Secretary of the Navy, 55:35.594 --> 55:37.417 the honorable Ray Mabus, 55:37.417 --> 55:39.878 for selecting me to be the ship's sponsor 55:39.878 --> 55:41.378 for USS John Finn. 55:41.698 --> 55:45.108 When Jim took command of the Arleigh Burke destroyer, 55:45.108 --> 55:47.941 USS Barry, just over 20 years ago, 55:47.942 --> 55:50.790 I never could've imagined I would one day 55:50.790 --> 55:52.803 have the privilege of being part of the life 55:52.803 --> 55:55.602 of another destroyer, as a sponsor. 55:55.602 --> 55:59.269 This is a true honor, and I'm very grateful. 55:59.462 --> 56:01.884 Like everyone here, I also wanna thank 56:01.884 --> 56:03.916 the men and women who've worked so hard 56:03.916 --> 56:07.074 to bring the ship to this point in her young life. 56:07.074 --> 56:09.336 The shipyard workers of Ingalls, 56:09.336 --> 56:11.778 the technicians and contractors from various 56:11.778 --> 56:14.724 defense companies all around the U.S., 56:14.724 --> 56:17.334 the NAVSEA, and other Navy professionals, 56:17.334 --> 56:21.501 and above all, Captain Mike Wagner and his terrific crew. 56:21.641 --> 56:23.653 Let's give a hand for them, please. 56:23.653 --> 56:26.820 (audience applauding) 56:27.727 --> 56:31.671 As I think about the decades ahead for USS John Finn, 56:31.671 --> 56:33.541 I have to think about the future 56:33.541 --> 56:37.248 in terms of the core values of the U.S. Navy, 56:37.248 --> 56:40.453 what we've talked about a lot today, but very important: 56:40.453 --> 56:43.016 courage, honor, and commitment. 56:43.016 --> 56:45.099 Let's begin with courage. 56:45.215 --> 56:48.420 I know you will always undertake your duties with courage, 56:48.420 --> 56:51.337 whether Finn is posted off the dangerous coast 56:51.337 --> 56:55.044 of North Korea, defending against ballistic missiles, 56:55.044 --> 56:58.905 launching Tomahawk Missiles in the turbulent Middle-East, 56:58.905 --> 57:02.017 or conducting a freedom-of-navigation patrol 57:02.017 --> 57:06.184 in the South China Sea, escorting USS merchant ships 57:06.203 --> 57:08.121 through the Strait of Hormuz, 57:08.121 --> 57:12.288 under Iranian missiles, you will face danger and combat. 57:12.532 --> 57:15.271 At those times, I know you will rely 57:15.271 --> 57:18.788 on the spirit of Chief Petty Officer John Finn, 57:18.788 --> 57:20.778 and think of his courage 57:20.778 --> 57:23.725 at one of the darkest moments in American history, 57:23.725 --> 57:27.503 the attack on this nation almost 75 years ago. 57:27.503 --> 57:30.836 He stood and delivered, and so will you; 57:31.012 --> 57:35.179 courage will always be at the core of USS John Finn. 57:36.100 --> 57:40.267 Next is honor; the crew will find itself, many times, 57:40.401 --> 57:43.651 facing the need to act with real honor, 57:43.714 --> 57:46.415 to live up to the values of our nation: 57:46.415 --> 57:50.415 liberty, Democracy, freedom of speech, 57:50.490 --> 57:54.657 racial equality, gender equality, and many others. 57:55.107 --> 57:58.701 So often, those values can come under attack 57:58.701 --> 58:01.284 through thought, word, or deed. 58:01.363 --> 58:04.440 I know the crew of this magnificent warship 58:04.440 --> 58:06.488 will always act with honor, 58:06.488 --> 58:09.120 in living up to the principles of our nation; 58:09.120 --> 58:11.988 conducting themselves with true civility 58:11.988 --> 58:15.824 and grace; building bridges with other nations, 58:15.824 --> 58:18.382 especially our friends and allies, 58:18.382 --> 58:20.382 wherever the ship sails. 58:20.757 --> 58:24.571 The crew of USS John Finn will be a credit to our nation, 58:24.571 --> 58:28.199 and on hundreds of port visits across the years to come, 58:28.199 --> 58:31.892 you will find representatives of American values 58:31.892 --> 58:35.809 as personified by your sense of personal honor. 58:35.874 --> 58:38.470 Finally, commitment matters deeply. 58:38.470 --> 58:40.504 We all know the life of a Navy destroyer 58:40.504 --> 58:43.251 is one long exercise in commitment. 58:43.251 --> 58:46.036 This ship will sail millions of sea miles 58:46.036 --> 58:48.061 over the decades, to home, 58:48.061 --> 58:50.178 and the commitment of this crew, 58:50.178 --> 58:53.990 and all the Finn crew members to come, will be tested. 58:53.990 --> 58:56.146 You will spend many long days at sea, 58:56.146 --> 58:58.894 on the deep ocean, out of sight of land. 58:58.894 --> 59:01.679 You will miss birthdays, holidays, 59:01.679 --> 59:05.631 national celebrations, and thousands of wonderful events. 59:05.631 --> 59:09.057 But, the reward you will receive for your commitment 59:09.057 --> 59:11.267 is immeasurable: you will be part 59:11.267 --> 59:15.434 of that long, blue line of sailors who defend our nation; 59:15.725 --> 59:18.117 standing on the ships of war, and saying 59:18.117 --> 59:21.150 nothing that threatens my country will pass, 59:21.150 --> 59:23.317 not on my watch. 59:23.536 --> 59:27.036 Courage, honor, commitment; 59:27.068 --> 59:30.332 may they be the beating heart of USS John Finn 59:30.332 --> 59:33.024 from today, the day of her commissioning, 59:33.024 --> 59:36.801 to the distant moment when she retires from active service, 59:36.801 --> 59:38.218 decades from now. 59:38.612 --> 59:42.769 Finally, let me say, that as the sponsor of USS Finn, 59:42.769 --> 59:46.031 I will always know where the ship is sailing, 59:46.031 --> 59:47.762 and will watch her voyages 59:47.762 --> 59:51.845 with enthusiasm and pride, every day of her life. 59:52.370 --> 59:55.006 With that, let me now say 59:55.006 --> 59:58.839 with deep admiration for every sailor in Finn, 59:58.902 --> 01:00:01.366 godspeed and open water 01:00:01.366 --> 01:00:04.449 to the newest destroyer in the fleet. 01:00:05.684 --> 01:00:08.851 (audience applauding) 01:00:10.386 --> 01:00:12.386 Okay, alright. 01:00:13.490 --> 01:00:17.490 Officers and crew of USS John Finn, 01:00:17.576 --> 01:00:20.909 man our ship and bring her to life. 01:00:20.968 --> 01:00:23.685 (crew shouting) (audience applauding) 01:00:23.685 --> 01:00:26.352 (fanfare music) 01:02:18.688 --> 01:02:21.688 (audience cheering) 01:02:23.147 --> 01:02:25.897 (rockets firing) 01:02:31.341 --> 01:02:34.174 (motors whirring) 01:02:39.409 --> 01:02:42.409 (ship horn blowing) 01:02:49.328 --> 01:02:50.664 - [Commander Minetree] Ladies and gentlemen, 01:02:50.664 --> 01:02:54.581 the crew of USS John Finn salutes you. 01:02:55.779 --> 01:02:59.946 (audience cheering and applauding) 01:03:12.500 --> 01:03:15.264 We are proud to serve in your great Navy. 01:03:15.264 --> 01:03:18.181 Ship's Company, ready, two. 01:03:21.978 --> 01:03:24.728 Will the guests please be seated. 01:03:41.604 --> 01:03:45.037 Captain, USS John Finn is manned and ready. 01:03:45.037 --> 01:03:46.606 - [Captain Wagner] Very well. 01:03:46.606 --> 01:03:49.565 Captain Ring, sir, USS John Finn is manned and ready, 01:03:49.565 --> 01:03:50.959 and reports for duty. 01:03:50.959 --> 01:03:52.352 - [Captain Ring] Very well, Mike. 01:03:52.352 --> 01:03:54.025 Take your ship, ready to fight tonight, 01:03:54.025 --> 01:03:55.771 and take care of her fine crew. 01:03:55.771 --> 01:03:57.021 - Aye-aye, sir. 01:04:01.535 --> 01:04:03.560 Admiral Harris, request permission to break your flag 01:04:03.560 --> 01:04:05.393 in USS John Finn, sir. 01:04:06.871 --> 01:04:09.189 Executive Officer, break the flag of the Commander, 01:04:09.189 --> 01:04:11.408 United States Pacific Command. 01:04:11.408 --> 01:04:13.052 - [Commander Minetree] Aye-aye, sir. 01:04:13.052 --> 01:04:15.623 Quartermaster, break the flag of the Commander, 01:04:15.623 --> 01:04:18.123 United States Pacific Command. 01:04:18.171 --> 01:04:20.921 - [Quartermaster] Aye-aye, ma'am. 01:04:24.814 --> 01:04:26.441 - [Commander Minetree] Captain, Admiral Harris' flag 01:04:26.441 --> 01:04:28.813 is flying over USS John Finn. 01:04:28.813 --> 01:04:31.230 - [Captain Wagner] Very well. 01:04:34.809 --> 01:04:36.110 - [Commander Minetree] Ladies and gentlemen, 01:04:36.110 --> 01:04:38.246 Commander Michael Wagner, United States Navy, 01:04:38.246 --> 01:04:41.079 Commanding Officer, USS John Finn. 01:04:41.457 --> 01:04:44.624 (audience applauding) 01:04:48.897 --> 01:04:51.980 - Ship's Company, parade, rest. 01:04:53.616 --> 01:04:55.194 Good morning, Admiral Harris, 01:04:55.194 --> 01:04:57.861 Admiral Swift, Admiral Greenert, 01:04:58.012 --> 01:05:00.762 Admiral Savridis, Admiral Mackey, 01:05:00.797 --> 01:05:03.778 Admiral Fargo, General Bramlett, 01:05:03.778 --> 01:05:06.174 all other Flag and General Officers, 01:05:06.174 --> 01:05:07.757 Captains, Colonels, 01:05:07.816 --> 01:05:10.733 Commanders, fellow COs, 01:05:10.784 --> 01:05:14.282 ^friends, family, and guests, we really appreciate 01:05:14.282 --> 01:05:17.407 ^you taking the time to join us this morning. 01:05:17.407 --> 01:05:20.057 ^For those of you that know me, I was told 01:05:20.057 --> 01:05:22.326 by my close friends, to stick to the script, 01:05:22.326 --> 01:05:25.671 so that I don't drop any four-letter words. 01:05:25.671 --> 01:05:27.504 So, I'm gonna do that. 01:05:27.705 --> 01:05:29.532 It's a beautiful day here in Hawaii, 01:05:29.532 --> 01:05:32.865 a fitting place, a great place 01:05:32.897 --> 01:05:34.751 to recognize this ship, 01:05:34.751 --> 01:05:37.828 and we would characterize this, in the service, 01:05:37.828 --> 01:05:39.745 as a fine Navy day. 01:05:39.806 --> 01:05:42.747 Very fitting that we put this ship into commission 01:05:42.747 --> 01:05:45.612 here in Pearl Harbor, some 75 years 01:05:45.612 --> 01:05:48.362 after that notorious day in 1941. 01:05:48.433 --> 01:05:50.761 I also found it very appropriate 01:05:50.761 --> 01:05:53.163 that we have the USS Arizona Memorial, 01:05:53.163 --> 01:05:57.322 and the USS Missouri, as a backdrop for our ceremony. 01:05:57.322 --> 01:06:00.015 Unfortunately, I was not fortunate enough 01:06:00.015 --> 01:06:02.074 to meet John Finn in person, 01:06:02.074 --> 01:06:05.498 but from what I've learned from his family, 01:06:05.498 --> 01:06:08.599 many, many friends, is that he didn't consider himself 01:06:08.599 --> 01:06:12.029 a hero; he just thought he was a regular guy 01:06:12.029 --> 01:06:14.578 that was in the right place at the right time. 01:06:14.578 --> 01:06:17.781 To me, that says a lot about his character. 01:06:17.781 --> 01:06:19.411 I think he would've been proud 01:06:19.411 --> 01:06:22.333 to have this great capital warship named in his honor, 01:06:22.333 --> 01:06:26.018 and I can assure you that his tough Irish heritage 01:06:26.018 --> 01:06:28.435 is embedded within this ship. 01:06:28.617 --> 01:06:32.007 I'm truly honored and humbled to be standing here today, 01:06:32.007 --> 01:06:34.626 not only because I'm in command of the Navy's newest 01:06:34.626 --> 01:06:37.717 destroyer, but because I've been given the opportunity 01:06:37.717 --> 01:06:41.553 to lead some of the finest sailors I have ever met. 01:06:41.553 --> 01:06:44.130 The crew manning this ship are some of the best people 01:06:44.130 --> 01:06:46.049 our society has to offer; 01:06:46.049 --> 01:06:48.677 they come from all over the United States, 01:06:48.677 --> 01:06:52.232 some from small towns, others from big cities; 01:06:52.232 --> 01:06:54.512 they come from many different walks of life, 01:06:54.512 --> 01:06:57.813 and some even come from different countries. 01:06:57.813 --> 01:07:00.574 But make no mistake, they are all willing 01:07:00.574 --> 01:07:03.813 and enthusiastic about completing the mission, 01:07:03.813 --> 01:07:07.675 whether it be rendering humanitarian assistance, 01:07:07.675 --> 01:07:11.842 or implementing national diplomacy if called upon. 01:07:12.577 --> 01:07:15.649 For all of you parents, spouses, 01:07:15.649 --> 01:07:18.046 and significant others, in the audience, 01:07:18.046 --> 01:07:20.597 you can be justifiably proud of your sailor 01:07:20.597 --> 01:07:22.622 that is manning this ship. 01:07:22.622 --> 01:07:24.763 These are men and women of action, 01:07:24.763 --> 01:07:27.487 ready to go into harm's way if required. 01:07:27.487 --> 01:07:30.810 They are smart, motivated, and dedicated 01:07:30.810 --> 01:07:32.859 to living up to this ship's motto 01:07:32.859 --> 01:07:34.843 of stand fast and fight, 01:07:34.843 --> 01:07:37.653 and I am proud to be their commanding officer. 01:07:37.653 --> 01:07:38.486 Thank you. 01:07:38.870 --> 01:07:42.037 (audience applauding) 01:07:47.780 --> 01:07:51.264 - [Commander Minetree] Ship's Company, a ten-hut! 01:07:51.264 --> 01:07:53.597 Will the guests please rise. 01:07:55.258 --> 01:07:59.425 Chaplain Fleming will now lead us in the benediction. 01:08:02.394 --> 01:08:03.561 - Let us pray. 01:08:05.626 --> 01:08:08.459 (religious music) 01:08:08.759 --> 01:08:10.398 Lord, thank you for this ceremony today 01:08:10.398 --> 01:08:14.166 that has reminded us of the meaning of leadership, 01:08:14.166 --> 01:08:17.028 and the power of a focused purpose. 01:08:17.028 --> 01:08:19.302 And God, thank you for those who tirelessly 01:08:19.302 --> 01:08:22.075 ^pursued excellence in bringing the USS John Finn 01:08:22.075 --> 01:08:25.265 ^into being, and those who have prepared this warship 01:08:25.265 --> 01:08:27.625 to fight our nation's battles. 01:08:27.625 --> 01:08:30.799 Father, seeing that in the course of our duty 01:08:30.799 --> 01:08:33.989 we are set in the midst of many and great dangers, 01:08:33.989 --> 01:08:36.540 and that we cannot be faithful in the high trust 01:08:36.540 --> 01:08:40.000 placed in us, without the help of Almighty God, 01:08:40.000 --> 01:08:42.663 our prayers are united in seeking your blessing 01:08:42.663 --> 01:08:45.996 upon this ship and all who serve in her. 01:08:46.900 --> 01:08:49.333 Lord, we recognize it is your strength 01:08:49.333 --> 01:08:51.566 that enables us to protect others. 01:08:51.566 --> 01:08:53.808 Your providence keeps us safe, 01:08:53.808 --> 01:08:57.518 and as we go forth, help us to turn our hearts towards you, 01:08:57.518 --> 01:09:00.370 and may the days we live be for your glory, 01:09:00.370 --> 01:09:02.231 and for the service of others. 01:09:02.231 --> 01:09:06.148 It's in your mighty name I pray, amen.