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From YouTube: USS Hudner Commissioning Ceremony
Description
The USS Thomas Hudner is an Areleigh Burke-class destroyer named in honor of the late Medal of Honor recipient Captain Thomas Hudner, a Korean War veteran and Fall River native. Join in as Mayor Walsh, Governor Baker, and US Navy leadership officially bring the ship into service.
A
A
We
would
like
to
recognize
Massachusetts
native
sergeant,
first
class
Eric
Michael
amond,
who
paid
the
ultimate
sacrifice
on
November
27th,
while
serving
with
Army
Special
Forces
in
Ghazni
province.
Afghanistan
sergeant
Rieman
was
a
hero
at
home
and
abroad
and
was
key
in
helping
established
the
Massachusetts
fallen
heroes
Memorial
in
the
Seaport
District.
Please
join
us
in
a
moment
of
silence.
A
Thank
you.
We
are
here
today
to
celebrate
the
commissioning
of
USS
Thomas
hudner
the
ship
before
you
was
christened
in
Bath
Maine
on
April
1st
2017.
Today
she
is
complete
and
this
crew
is
proud
to
serve
on
the
newest
destroyer
in
the
United
States
Navy.
Our
crew
is
dedicated
to
carrying
out
the
courageous
legacy
handed
down
to
us
by
her
namesake
Massachusetts
native
and
Medal
of
Honor
recipient
captain
Thomas
hudner
junior.
A
To
quote
then
lieutenant
junior
grade
hunters
Medal
of
Honor
citation,
while
attempting
to
rescue
a
squadron
mate
whose
plane
struck
by
anti-aircraft
fire
and
trailing
smoke,
was
forced
down
behind
enemy
lines,
quickly,
maneuvering
to
circle
the
downed
pilot
and
protect
him
from
enemy
troops.
Infesting
the
area,
lieutenant
JG
hudner
risked
his
life
to
save
the
injured
flyer,
who
was
trapped
alive
in
the
burning
wreckage
fully
aware
of
the
extreme
danger
and
landing
on
the
rough
mountainous
terrain
and
the
scant
hope
of
escape
or
survival
and
sub-zero
temperature.
A
He
put
his
plane
down
skillfully
and
the
deliberate
wheels-up
landing
in
the
presence
of
enemy
troops
with
his
bare
hands.
He
packed
the
fuselage
with
snow
to
keep
the
flames
away
from
the
pilot
and
struggled
to
pull
him
free
unsuccessful.
In
this
he
returned
to
his
crashed
aircraft
and
radioed
other
airborne
planes
requesting
that
a
helicopter
be
dispatched
with
axe
and
fire
extinguisher.
It
then
remained
on
the
spot,
despite
the
continuing
danger
from
enemy
action
and
with
the
assistance
of
the
rescue
pilot
renewed,
a
desperate
but
unavailing
battle
against
time
code
and
flames.
A
Lieutenant
JG
Hunter
is
exceptionally
valiant
action
and
selfless
devotion
to
a
shipmate
sustained,
enhance
the
highest
traditions
of
the
United
States
Naval
Service,
and
that
same
spirit.
This
ship
will
sail
the
oceans
often
alone
and
will
stand
vigilant
against
those
who
have
threatened
democracy
and
freedom.
This
crew
is
honored
to
serve
in
the
ship,
which
bears
his
name.
A
Our
ceremony
today
is
a
time-honored
tradition,
which
began
with
the
commissioning
of
our
first
warship
in
1775.
Since
then,
thousands
of
ships
have
undergone
the
transformation
from
silent
halls
to
fully
alive
warships.
Our
commissioning
crew,
hereafter
known
as
plank
owners,
are
formation
among
you
and
ready
to
bring
our
ship
to
life
in
just
a
few
moments.
The
United
States
Navy
band,
northeast
Concord
independence
saluting
battery
and
the
Massachusetts
Army
National
Guard
howitzers
will
render
honors
to
the
Honorable
Charlie
Baker.
A
A
C
Most
gracious
and
holy
creator.
We
bow
before
your
throne
seeking
your
blessing
upon
what
we
undertake
this
morning.
The
commissioning
of
the
destroyer
USS
Thomas
hudner.
As
we
stand
in
the
shadows
of
the
USS
Constitution,
we
marvel
at
the
technological
evolution
of
our
fine
Navy.
We
must
recognize
the
gifted
minds
that
conceived
the
technology
employed
upon
the
plans
of
this
ship.
C
What
has
stayed
consistent
over
the
years
is
the
commitment
and
dedication
of
the
sailors
that
serve
aboard
still
is
committed,
still
is
dedicated,
but
is
not
the
technology
plans
for
steel
that
gives
the
ship
life?
It
is
the
captain
and
the
crew
that
serves
as
the
master
and
the
caretakers
that
bring
a
ship
that's
alive.
C
So
we
ask
a
special
blessing
to
be
upon
those
who
will
serve
aboard
the
USS
hudner
from
it's
very
Genesis
to
the
twilight
on
her
in
every
voyage
and
every
deployment
man
seek
to
live
out.
The
ethos
of
this
great
nation,
our
Navy
and
the
namesake
of
this
ship
captain
Thomas
hudner,
has
he
downed
his
aircraft
to
save
another
that
all
men
are
created.
Equal
father,
we
prayed
this
ship
first
be
a
statement
of
our
desire
for
peace
long
before
it
must
be
used
as
a
weapon
of
war.
D
Thank
you,
everyone
for
being
here
today
to
Miss
hudner,
miss
Miller,
governor
Baker,
congressman
Lynch,
the
family
of
the
hunter
family,
Jesse
brown
secretary
Spencer,
general
Dunford,
flag
officers
and
general
officers,
commander,
sherry,
military
service
members
and
veterans
distinguished
guests.
It's
my
profound
honor
to
welcome
you
to
the
City
of
Austin
for
the
commissioning
of
the
USS
Thomas
hudner.
D
This
is
a
day
with
great
pride
for
the
City
of
Austin,
as
we
gather
here
on
Boston
Harbor,
one
of
the
birthplaces
of
the
American
Revolution,
one
of
the
iconic
places
in
the
American
naval
tradition.
We
are
here
to
be
a
witness
to
the
strength
of
this
tradition.
The
values
is
built
on
in
the
people
who
embody
it.
Today
we
are
standing
now
in
South
Boston.
This
was
a
Navy
shipyard
for
much
of
the
21st
20th
century.
D
We
praise
for
his
family
and
for
those
he
served
with,
and
we
stand
at
all
once
again
at
the
sacrifice
of
every
single
service
member
in
every
single
military
family
that
makes
for
our
country.
I
want
to
publicly
thank
the
crew
of
the
USS
Thomas
hudner
feel
commitment
that
you
have
made
to
serve
and
I
want
to
thank
the
hudna
family
for
sharing
an
American
hero
and
a
Medal
of
Honor
recipient
with
us.
Captain
hunters,
historic
tax
and
life
of
service
embodies
the
teamwork
duty
and
courage
that
makes
our
military
great
in
our
country.
D
Strong
I
also
want
to
recognize
the
family
of
Jesse
Brown
and
thank
them
for
their
sacrifice
to
our
beautiful
country.
The
values
of
these
two
men,
and
so
many
others,
are
the
values
that
we
need
to
rely
on
if
we
want
to
meet
the
challenges
in
the
21st
century.
I
am
immensely
proud
today
in
Boston
that
we
can
continue
this
tradition.
We
can
amplify
these
values
through
the
commissioning
of
the
USS
Thomas
hudner
I.
Thank
you
once
again
for
this
honor
god
bless
all
of
you
and
God
bless
the
United
States
of
America.
E
E
This
ship
DDG
116,
is
the
36th
ship
of
the
arleigh
Burke
class
of
destroyers
built
in
bath.
It
represents
hundreds
of
thousands
of
hours
of
engineering,
design,
planning,
material
procurement,
tons
of
steel
to
be
fit
and
welded
miles
of
pipe
ventilation,
cable,
insulation,
thousands
of
gallons
of
paint
and
a
robust
test
and
activation
team
to
produce
this
magnificent
ship
that
we
are
proud
to
present
as
bath
built
with
me
this
morning,
are
some
of
my
shipbuilding
teammates.
E
F
Well,
good
morning,
Boston
great
to
see
so
many
of
you
out
here
today
to
pay
tribute
to
the
skill
that
was
just
described
to
the
shipbuilders
and
the
ship
workers
who
put
this
wonderful
ship
together,
but
Governor
Baker
or
secretary
Spencer
and
chairman
Dunford
ship
sponsors,
the
entire
commissioning
committee
and
mayor
Walsh,
but
most
of
all
to
the
citizens
of
Boston,
and
indeed
all
of
the
Greater
New
England
area
from
Kennebunkport
to
Fall
River.
Thank
you
for
hosting
this
event
today.
F
Here
today,
they
left
the
promises
of
their
fathers,
a
New,
England
home
college,
loved
ones,
bright
careers
to
eagerly
defend
the
greater
promise
of
America,
and
all
it
would
mean
for
the
hopes
of
the
world,
in
the
words
of
our
president,
at
the
close
of
the
Cold
War
and
I
quote
as
I
look
to
the
future,
I
feel
strongly
about
the
role
of
the
United
States
and
that
a
role
that
should
play
in
a
new
world
before
us.
We
have
a
disproportionate
responsibility
to
use
our
power
in
pursuit,
the
common
good.
F
G
Ladies
and
gentlemen,
it's
truly
an
honor
to
be
here
this
morning
and
I'm
particularly
humbled
to
be
here
with
our
Medal
of
Honor
recipients,
governor
Baker,
the
mayor,
congressman
Lynch,
distinguished
leaders
from
Massachusetts
and,
most
importantly,
the
hudner
and
the
brown
families,
I
joined
Secretary,
Spencer,
Admiral
Moran
and
the
other
leaders
on
stage
and
representing
your
men
and
women
in
uniform.
As
we
conduct
this
ceremony,
275
thousand
of
your
soldiers,
sailors,
airmen
and
Marines,
are
operating
around
the
world
in
177
different
countries
and,
as
you
know,
many
of
them
are
in
harm's
way.
G
I'd
ask
you
to
keep
them
in
your
thoughts
and
prayers,
as
well
as
the
families
of
those
we
lost
last
weekend.
I'm
also
here,
as
the
son
of
a
marine
who
was
on
the
ground,
fighting
at
the
Chosin
Reservoir
on
4
December,
1950,
ensign,
Brown
and
Lieutenant
hudner
were
supporting
my
father
in
his
fellow
Marines
and
finally
I'm
here.
As
someone
who
had
the
privilege
of
spending
time
with
captain
hunter
at
events
over
the
course
of
30
years,
I
first
met
him
in
the
late
1980s
and
I
can
clearly
remember
the
encounter.
Someone
pointed
out.
G
Captain
hunter
to
me-
and
he
gave
me
his
background
and
I
immediately-
went
over
and
waited
in
line,
hoping
just
to
shake
the
hand
of
a
true
American
Hero
and
given
a
line
I
expected
just
to
have
a
quick
reading
and
then
to
move
on.
But
as
we
shook
hands,
captain
hunter
looked
me
in
the
eyes.
He
asked
me
about
my
my
assignment.
G
He
asked
me
about
my
Marines
and
sailors
who
took
the
time
to
be
engaged
and
that
initial
engagement
I
was
struck
by
captain
Thomas
hudner
courtesy
and
his
humility
and
in
later
engagements
gained
an
appreciation
for
his
commitment
to
service
and
his
character,
but
also
learned
how
he
viewed
his
Medal
of
Honor.
In
his
own
words,
he
viewed
the
medal
less
as
an
honorific
than
as
an
obligation,
an
obligation
to
use
the
platform.
It
brought
him
to
bring
attention
to
all
those
who
served
and
sacrificed.
G
So
I
have
a
brief,
a
message
today
and
it's
for
the
captain.
In
the
crew
we've
named
this
ship,
the
hudner
in
honor
of
Captain
Thomas
hunters
actions
on
4,
December,
1950
and
I
know
you'll
ensure
that
future
generations
of
young
sailors
are
inspired
by
his
courage,
but
don't
let
Captain
Hunter's
legacy
be
reduced
to
just
one
incident,
no
matter
how
heroic
this
ship
should
sustain
the
memory
of
captain
hunters
three
decades
of
naval
service
in
his
continued
public
service.
G
H
H
It
is
a
special
privilege
for
me
today
to
welcome
and
stand
at
this
dais
with
General
Joseph
Dunford,
the
highest-ranking
military
officer
in
the
United
States
military
today
as
head
of
the
Joint
Chiefs
of
Staff,
a
son
of
South
Boston
and
as
a
representative
South
Boston.
As
someone
who
worked
in
this
port
I
want
to
say
what
an
honor
it
is
to
have
you
with
us
here
today.
H
I
first
met
general
Dunford
in
Iraq
when
he
was
a
lieutenant
general
at
CENTCOM.
I
met
him
again
about
nine
months
later
in
Afghanistan
he
had
been
appointed
commander
of
ISAF,
the
International
Security
Assistance
Force,
and
then
I
met
him
again
about
14
months
later
in
Washington
DC
at
the
Rayburn
building
and
I
was
told
that
he
had
just
been
appointed
coming
down
to
the
marine
corps.
H
Tom
hudner
was
a
total
gentleman.
He
was
a
class
act,
he
was
a
humble
hero
and,
if
I
could
be
so
bold
as
to
offer
my
opinion,
if
Captain
hudna
were
here
today,
his
state
did
start
off
by
insisting
that
we're
actually
honoring
two
men
here
today:
Tom
hudner
and
Jesse
Brown
and
all
those
men
and
women
who
served
with
them.
H
This
is
to
certify
the
accompanied
flag
was
flown
over
the
United
States
Capitol.
At
the
request
of
the
honorable
Steven
F
Lynch
member
of
Congress,
this
flag
was
flown
over
the
United
States
Capitol
and
recognition
of
the
commissioning
of
the
USS
Thomas
hudner
gg6
1:16
presented
a
commander
nathan,
sherry
United,
States
Navy
and
the
crew
in
honor
of
Captain
Thomas
J
Hutton,
a
junior
naval,
aviator
Medal
of
Honor
recipients
for
his
valiant
efforts
on
April
13
1951.
H
I
I
My
father
was
a
very
humble
and
understated
man,
one
who
always
deflected
praise
and
attention.
So
when,
when
it
was
announced
in
2012
that
the
United
States
Navy
guided
missile,
destroyer
would
be
named
for
him,
he
was
overwhelmed
and
he
was-
and
he
was
grateful
to
be
here
today,
six
years
later,
with
this
beautiful
ship,
complete
joined
by
several
thousand
guests,
who
have
come
together
to
celebrate
its
commissioning,
my
family
and
I
share
my
dad's
sentiments.
We
are
overwhelmed
and
we
are
grateful.
I
As
most
of
you
know,
my
father's
Medal
of
Honor
action
involved
his
valiant
attempt
to
save
his
down
wing
man
and
some
Jessie
Brown,
who
had
been
shot
down
at
the
area
of
the
Chosun
reservoir
in
North
Korea
during
a
mission
in
support
of
US
Marines
on
the
ground
who
were
surrounded
by
Chinese
and
North
Korean
soldiers.
Jessie
Brown
was
the
nation's
first
african-american
naval
aviator
and
a
hero
in
his
own
right
who
had
overcome
incredible
adversity
to
earn
his
Navy
wings.
I
However,
neither
the
extreme
danger
a
rescue
attempt
represented
nor
the
color
of
Jessie's
skin
were
factors
in
Dad's
decision
to
crash-land,
to
tried
to
save
Jessie
Jessie
was
a
friend
and
squadron
mate
who
needed
help
so
dad
went
in
while
many
of
us
would
say
that
was
an
extraordinary
act,
my
father
never
thought
of
himself
or
that
action
as
extraordinary
to
the
contrary.
When
he
was
asked
through
the
years
why
he
did
it.
I
He
responded
simply
that
it
was
the
right
thing
to
do
and
if
he
hadn't
done
it,
someone
else
would
have
the
ship's
commanding
officer.
Captain
Thomas
Sisson
did
feel
that
it
was
an
extraordinary
act
and
when
he
recommended
my
father
for
the
Congressional
Medal
of
Honor,
he
wrote
quote:
there's
been
no
finer
act
of
Unseld
heroism
in
military
history.
I
Now,
as
the
men
and
women
here
today
know,
as
well
as
anyone
throughout
military
history,
there
have
been
countless
incredible
acts
of
unselfish
heroism.
In
fact,
the
history
of
the
United
States
has
been
built
upon
these
acts,
many
of
which
went
unseen
and
without
recognition,
but
it
was
Captain
Hunter's,
unselfish
act
and
the
service
of
his
country,
the
United
States
Navy
and
his
friend
and
squadron
mate
that
lives
in
the
spirit
of
this
ship.
I
Three
days
from
now,
December
4th
will
mark
68
years
since
that
action
in
North
Korea.
It
will
also
mark
68
years
since
Jesse
Browns
passing
had
he
survived.
He
too
would
have
surely
continued
to
lead
a
life
that
was
characterized
by
his
own
selfless
service
to
his
country,
his
family
and
others,
whom
we,
whom
he
would
have
encountered
and
inspired.
We
remembered
Jesse
today
and
every
day
and
we
are
honored
to
have
so
many
members
of
Jesse's
family
with
us.
I
I
Today
we
extend
our
deep
gratitude
to
the
commissioning
committee,
who
have
provided
countless
hours
of
work
and
an
abundance
of
care
over
the
past
four
years
to
plan
and
execute
today's
events
and
the
activities
leading
up
to
it.
Many
of
those
men
and
women
shared
a
personal
friendship
with
my
father
and
I
know
that
those
bonds
have
infused
and
inspired
their
incredible
efforts,
and
we
are
so
grateful.
I
We
also
thank
all
of
our
servicemen
and
women
active
duty
and
retired
the
countless
men
and
women
who
have
served
in
the
armed
forces
throughout
our
country's
history,
and
we
pay
special
tribute
to
those
who
have
made
the
ultimate
sacrifice:
those
like
Jessie
brown.
We
thank
all
of
these
men
and
women
for
their
service
and
we
vow
to
never
forget
their
sacrifices
to
protect
our
freedom
and
the
freedom
of
others.
I
A
particular
highlight
for
my
father
and
for
our
entire
family
has
been
the
connection
he
shared
and
that
we
share
with
the
ship's
crew
under
Commander
Sherry's
leadership.
The
crew
made
personal
connections
with
my
father
when
he
was
alive
and
as
much
as
they
were
pleased
to
have
the
opportunity
to
meet
with
him.
He
was
just
as
excited
to
spend
time
with
them.
My
father's
pride
in
the
Navy
was
beyond
measure
and
the
men
and
women
of
the
crew
of
the
USS
Thomas
hudner
exemplified
for
him.
I
I
While
it
was
often
my
dad's
naval,
career
or
Medal
of
Honor
action
that
initially
drew
people
to
him,
it
was
his
inherent
characteristics
of
respect,
empathy,
modesty
and
humor
and
always
placing
the
needs
of
others
above
his
own
that
led
to
deep
and
lasting
friendships
with
so
many
as
a
family.
We
are
so
humbled
and
honored
to
participate
in
today's
event
and
to
celebrate
our
country,
the
United
States
Navy
and
the
commissioning
of
the
USS
Thomas
hudner.
Thank
you.
J
Medal
of
Honor
recipients,
Tuskegee
Airmen
uniformed
members
of
our
services
veterans,
governor
Baker,
congressman
Lynch,
general
Dunford,
Admiral
Moran,
the
Honorable
Ray
Mabus,
who
was
the
naming
Authority
for
this
ship.
Ladies
and
gentlemen,
welcome.
Thank
you
for
inviting
me
here
today
to
share,
in
this
great
event,
to
the
family
of
the
HUD
Thomas
hudner.
J
Thank
you
for
honoring
us
with
your
presence
today.
I'd
be
remiss
if
I
also
didn't
thank
captain
Tom
Hennessy
for
his
amazing
job
here
in
the
commissioning
exercise
that
we've
had
elegant
and
exquisite.
I
also
want
to
thank
the
uniformed
members,
the
civilian
and
contracting
team
that
delivered
the
Thomas
hudner
here
today.
J
Ladies
and
gentlemen,
we
continually
hear
a
thump
that
our
US
government
is
broken.
Please
avert
your
eyes
to
the
man
of
war
in
front
of
you.
This
ship,
whose
mission
is
peace
through
presence
but
with
its
warrior
team,
is
able
to
deliver.
The
fight
tonight
is
out
there
on
your
behalf.
As
the
forward
deployed
team
I'd
be
remiss
if
I
also
didn't
say
that
the
Commonwealth
lost
a
son
last
night
and
the
United
States
lost
a
diplomat
and
a
career
servant
to
this
country.
Our
41st
President
George
Herbert
Walker
Bush.
J
May
we
keep
the
family
in
our
memories.
Two
months
ago
it
was
my
honor
to
speak
at
the
Medal
of
Honor
Society
at
their
annual
convivial.
A
greater
collection
of
heroes
and
patriots
probably
could
never
be
found.
But
what
made
that
gathering
very
special
and
very
particular
was
that
it
was
on
the
grounds
of
the
United
States
Naval
Academy.
J
Just
steps
away
was
the
next
generation
of
Patriots
studying
for
their
midterm
exams.
It
reminded
me
of
the
unbroken
chain
that
Thomas
hudner
embodied
throughout
his
whole
life.
From
the
moment
his
service
began
at
the
United
States
military,
a
bigot
pardon
Naval
Academy
to
the
day
he
earned
the
Medal
of
Honor
the
day
he
earned
the
Medal
of
Honor
and
think
that
what
he
did
crash
landed
his
ship
next
to
his
wingman
and
shipmate
Jessie
Brown.
He
spent
a
lifetime
looking
out
for
his
shipmates
after
that,
and
his
spirit
will
live
on.
J
Ladies
and
gentlemen,
in
the
proud
service
of
every
man
and
woman
aboard
this
destroyer,
we
commissioned
today
the
USS
Thomas
hudner
is
proof
of
what
teamwork
of
all
our
people
can
do.
All
we
can
accomplish
together
a
special
tip
of
my
hat
to
the
workers
at
Bath
Iron
Works
baths
built
best
built.
It
remains
the
saying
today,
I.
J
Also
want
to
extend
a
special
word
to
thank
to
the
plank
owners
and
officers
and
crew
of
the
USS
Thomas
hudner
and
their
families.
We
all
know
the
men
and
women
wearing
navy
blue
can't
get
to
where
they
are
without
the
support
of
their
families.
I
know
the
extreme
demands
that
sea
service
can
put
on
both
the
sailor
and
the
family
and
I
stand
with
you
and
with
all
the
gratitude
of
a
nation
for
your
service.
J
Understand
that,
as
you
take
to
see,
know
that
all
of
you
are
backed
by
the
Department
of
the
Navy,
the
Department
of
Defense,
that
sails
with
you,
as
does
a
very
grateful
nation,
and
now
it's
my
pleasure,
ladies
and
gentlemen,
to
introduce
the
keynote
speaker,
a
distinguished
leader,
a
dedicated
public
servant
who,
by
the
way,
just
got
his
Commission
to
serve
another
round
of
command
tour
of
his
own.
The
governor
of
the
Commonwealth
of
Massachusetts,
Charlie
Baker,.
K
Thank
you
very
much
mr.
secretary,
and
let
me
just
begin
by
thanking
all
of
you
all
of
you
who
came
out
today
to
celebrate
this
glorious
and
joyous
event.
I
also
want
to
thank
the
commissioning
committee,
the
folks
at
Bath,
Iron
Works.
The
Navy
are
elected
and
appointed
officials
who
are
here
with
us
today,
and
our
men
and
women
in
uniform,
but
I
want
to
start
in
particular
by
recognizing
the
crew
of
this
magnificent
vessel.
They've
been
in
Maine
for
the
past
two
years,
while
their
families
have
remained
home
across
the
country.
K
You
know
I
had
the
pleasure
of
working
with
Tom
hudner
for
almost
a
decade
in
the
1990s
when
he
was
the
Commissioner
of
Veterans
Services.
Here
in
Massachusetts
you,
the
members
of
this
crew,
should
be
proud
to
operate
a
ship
named
after
such
a
special
man
simply
put
and
you've
heard
a
bit
about
this
today.
K
It
was
never
about
Tom
hudner.
He
was
the
consummate
team
player
and
the
only
way
you
would
have
known
anything
about
what
took
place
on
that
mountaintop
during
the
Korean
War
would
have
been
to
have
heard
about
it
from
somebody
else
or
to
read
about
it
because
he
never
talked
about
it.
In
fact,
when
he
was
asked
back
in
the
day
to
talk
about
a
picture
at
which
point
President
Truman
was
placing
the
Medal
of
Honor
around
his
neck,
Tom
changed
the
subject.
K
He
said
you
know
it
had
been
a
couple
of
days
after
President
Truman
had
fired,
General
MacArthur
and
the
president
had
received
a
lot
of
criticism,
so
we're
on
the
rose-garden
steps
and
Daisy
brown,
the
widow
of
Jesse
Brown,
the
fellow
I
tried
to
pull
out
of
his
airplane.
Was
there
escorted
by
a
black
navy
lieutenant
after
he
put
the
medal
around
my
neck,
the
president
started
to
leave
and
he's
it
turned
around
on
those
Rose
Garden
steps
he
stumbled
and
the
lieutenant
caught
him
before
he
fell
now.
K
K
Real
heroes
are
humble:
they
don't
talk
about
themselves,
they
talk
about
and
encourage
others.
They
say
thank
you.
They
pump
up
their
teammates,
their
family,
their
friends
and
they
view
their
own
decisions
whatever
they
might
be
as
nothing
special
on
December
4
1950
almost
68
years
ago,
to
the
day
from
today,
Tom
dissipate
a
direct
order
and
crashed
his
plane
on
a
snow-covered
mountain
top
in
15
degree
weather
to
try
to
save
his
friend
and
fellow
Airmen
Jesse
brown.
K
Jessie
was
alive
and
it
looked
as
if
he
needed
nothing
except
a
good
tug
to
get
him
out
of
that
airplane.
I
just
didn't
think
very
much
about
hurting
myself.
I
just
felt
that
for
what
it
was,
it
was
worth
taking
the
chance
so
matter-of-fact,
so
focused
on
his
friend
so
understated
and
unassuming
so
Tom
hudner.
K
C
K
The
hell
am
I
doing
here,
just
climbing
up
the
snowy
slippery
slope
and
then
finding
a
way
to
look
into
the
cockpit
of
jesse
brown's
plane
and
reach
out
to
him
was
work.
I
couldn't
create
the
leverage
he
needed
to
pull
him
out
and
give
him
the
damage
to
the
cockpit.
It's
not
clear.
He
would
have
been
able
to
haul
him
out,
even
if
he'd
had
the
leverage
to
make
a
go
of
it.
Still,
he
stayed
with
Jesse
talked
about
the
situation
they
were
facing
together
and
tried
a
variety
of
approaches
to
set
him
free.
K
Alas,
the
weather
and
the
enemy
made
the
return
trip
impossible,
but
Tom
never
forgot
Jesse's,
Widow
or
his
family
and
in
fact
he
paid
for
dusty
Daisy's
post-war
college
education
with
his
discharge
bonus
and
stayed
close
to
her
and
to
her
family
throughout
Daisy's
life,
and
he
said
many
times
that
he
thought
about.
Jessie
brown
every
single
day
for
the
rest
of
his
life
and,
like
almost
every
member
of
the
military
I've
ever
met,
Tom
didn't
think
what
he
did
was
particularly
special.
K
In
one
interview
he
said
the
men
he
served
with
would
do
anything
for
one
another.
Another
time
he
said
you
know,
I
wrecked
an
airplane
and
I
didn't
even
get
the
guy
out
of
the
wreckage
I
happen
to
be
an
aviator,
but
an
infantry
man
who
cannot
dig
deep
enough
or
fast
enough
to
get
away
from
enemy
gunfire
will
still
jump
up
at
the
first
sign
of
trouble
to
pull
a
body
to
safety.
K
It's
an
attitude
that
is
latent
for
the
most
part
in
normal
life,
but
comes
out
when
you're,
suddenly
confronted
with
life
and
death.
In
a
situation
like
that,
after
Tom's
passing,
the
Boston
Globe
wrote
an
obituary
that
noted
that
Tom
spent
much
of
his
time
talking
about
his
wing
mate
Jessie
Brown,
when
this
ship
was
christened
in
Maine
two
years
ago,
Tom
said
Jessie
was
loyal
to
Daisy
loyal
to
his
squadron,
loyal
for
the
Navy
service
and
in
return
people
were
very
loyal
to
him.
K
K
It
is
my
fervent
hope
that
this
ship
is
imbued
with
the
humility,
the
selflessness,
the
patriotism,
the
commitment
to
one
another
and
the
kindness
and
decency
the
transcends
our
differences
that
made
Tom
so
special
Godspeed
and
Stacey's
to
the
crew
to
the
USS
Tom
Thunder
God
bless
the
Commonwealth.
God
bless
the
United
States
of
America.
Thank
you.
L
J
A
A
L
I
will
now
read
my
orders
from
commander
naval
military
personnel
command
to
Commander
Nathan
cherry
United,
States
Navy,
subject:
Buford's
orders,
1
0
85
of
17
April
2015
when
directed
by
reporting
senior
detached
in
June
2015
from
present
duty
and
reports,
a
pre-commissioning
unit,
Thomas
hudner
DDG,
1,
1
6
as
commanding
officer
upon
commissioning
of
USS
Thomas
hudner
report
for
duty
as
commanding
officer,
Admiral
Moran,
the
United
States
ship
Thomas
Sedna
is
ain't.
Commissioned
and
I
am
in
command.
A
Officer
the
deck
is
the
commanding
officers
direct
representative
and,
while
on
watch
is
responsible
for
the
safe
operation
of
the
ship
and
crew,
the
long
glass
is
a
traditional
symbol
of
an
officer,
the
decks
Authority
and
the
ship
of
the
line.
We
are
pleased
to
have
Miss
Jessica
night
Henry
mr.
Thomas,
under
the
third
in
attendance.
They
would
pass
the
long
glass
to
Chief
Warrant
Officer
Joshua
Danson
from
Crossville
Tennessee,
our
first
officer
of
the
deck
the
Petty
Officer.
The
watch
is
fire
control
in
first
class
Vincent
Muniz
from
Bronx
New
York.
L
M
L
Hudner
parade
rest,
mrs.
barber,
Joan,
Miller,
mrs.
Georgia,
Hana
and
family,
mrs.
Pamela
brown
night
and
family
governor
Baker,
mayor
Walsh,
secretary
Spencer,
general
donford,
Admiral
Moran
by
Samuel,
Brown,
distinguished
guests,
ladies
and
gentlemen
for
captain
Tom
hudner.
It
was
about
family
I
would
like
to
start
by
taking
this
opportunity
today
to
talk
about
my
family
help
me
recognize
my
wife,
Rosa
and
three
of
our
four
children
here
today,
Nathan
Junior,
Makayla,
Elizabeth
USA
is
the
foundation
of
our
family
and
strongest.
L
So
today
we
come
together
as
a
family
to
celebrate
our
ship's
namesake
captain
Thomas
J
had
a
junior
one
for
December,
1950,
violently
and
intentionally
crash
landed
his
own
plane
to
save
his
element
leader
his
friend
and
his
shipmate
ensign
Jesse
brown.
Today
we
come
together
as
a
family
to
honor
the
character
of
the
man
for
whom
this
ship
is
named.
L
It
is
through
his
character
that
he
was
able
to
define
what
was
once
the
core
elements
of
a
society
that
continually
wronged
people
who
would
not
like
the
majority
they
lived
with,
and
it's
through
his
character
that
upon
ending
27
years
of
naval
service,
he
then
served
our
veterans
and
the
great
city
of
Boston
for
another.
Four
decades.
L
As
we
celebrate
our
share
of
coming
to
life
and
entering
into
Naval
Service,
we
endeavour
as
a
clue
to
be
better
human
beings.
As
we
celebrate,
we
endeavour
as
a
crew
to
serve
honorably
and
as
we
celebrate,
we
look
forward
to
the
day
where
we
might
retest
it
and
even
find
ourselves
in
a
predicament
as
he
was
where
we
will
do
what
it
takes
without
hesitation,
despite
the
odds
despite
the
orders,
despite
barriers
and
society,
to
save
our
brothers
and
sisters
who
are
themselves
in
harm's
way.
L
L
I
can't
begin
to
tell
you
how
great
well,
how
grateful
we
are
as
a
crew
for
how
well
this
ship
is
built
and
for
all
the
support
we
have
received
to
make
this
day
happen.
Our
sincere
and
heartfelt
thanks
to
the
Thomas
had
no
family
for
welcoming
us
into
their
family,
Fall
River's,
Andover
Academy
and
the
u.s.
Naval
Academy
class
of
1947,
who
helped
forge
captain
Hunter's
character
during
his
early
adult
formative
years,
the
shipbuilders
in
Bath
Maine,
who
poured
their
heart
and
soul
to
build
it
right
from
the
start.
L
The
supervisors,
shipbuilding
bath
team,
who
so
graciously
welcomed
us
into
their
community
and
provided
so
much
assistance,
guidance
and
training.
The
fleet,
integration
team
for
passing
on
tribal
knowledge
and
assistance
and
crew
training,
as
well
as
helping
to
build
a
solid
foundation
for
all
of
our
ships.
Programs.
The
PMS
339
team
for
not
only
the
daily
assistance
with
pre-cum
challenges,
but
also
ensuring
that
these
lessons
learned
are
passed
down
to
the
next
halt
so
that
their
transition
to
new
construction
ship
is
a
path.
L
Well
marked
commissioning
committee
for
putting
so
much
energy
and
hard
work
to
take
care
of.
My
crew
and
comfort
us
captain
Hunter's
family,
to
the
great
city
of
Boston,
for
hosting
us
here
to
the
great
state
of
Massachusetts
for
being
home
to
our
national
hero,
Captain
Thomas
hudner,
who
we
have
the
privilege
to
celebrate
today
by
breathing
life
into
a
ship
named
in
his
honor
and
finally,
to
all
who
contributed
to
making
this
day
a
reality
again.
Thank
you.
L
If
captain
hudna
were
here
today,
I
would
tell
him
that,
while
we
could
never
fully
live
up
to
the
standard
he
set
in
his
67
years
of
service
to
our
nation
and
our
nation's
veterans,
we
will
embody
and
carry
forward
his
legacy
through
his
ship.
That
now
bears
his
name.
We
will
honor,
remember
Tom
by
always
forging
our
way
forward,
helping
each
other
out
and
working
as
a
cohesive
team,
believing
in
the
concept
of
family
and
take
care
of
each
other
and
always
putting
our
shipmates
well-being
above
our
own.
A
B
B
A
Ladies
and
gentlemen,
the
USS
Tomas
under
commissioning
committee
invites
you
to
a
reception
under
the
terminal
awning
behind
you
or
you
may
exit
to
return
to
your
parking
areas.
We
also
invite
you
to
take
a
tour
of
the
ship
which
will
begin
in
45
minutes
and
we'll
start
at
the
forward.
Brow
to
your
left,
ship
tours
will
end
at
3:30
p.m.
the
last
buses
will
depart
for
the
parking
areas
at
4:30
p.m.
please
plan
accordingly,.