U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus has named the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers DDG 125 and DDG 126 after two former Marines who were awarded Medals of Honor for their efforts during World War II.The service branch said Saturday DDG 125 and DDG 126 will be called USS Jack H. Lucas and USS Louis H. Wilson Jr., respectively.
Lucas was given a Medal of Honor at age 17 as a U.S. Marine Corps private first class for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima, making him the youngest Marine and WWII service member to receive the honor, according to the Navy.
The branch added Wilson received the Medal of Honor as a Marine Corps captain after he helped defeat an enemy force during the Battle of Guam.
He also pushed for the service branch’s force readiness, responsiveness and mobility programs during his tenure as Marine Corps commandant.
Huntington Ingalls Industries will build DDG 125 while General Dynamics‘ Bath Iron Works division will construct DDG 126.
Both ships are scheduled to enter service in 2023.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are designed to support various Navy operations such as peacetime presence, crisis response, sea control and power projection.
