By Geoff Fein
The Navy Wednesday named the second Zumwalt-class destroyer the USS Michael Monsoor after a Navy SEAL who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroic actions in Iraq in 2006.
Navy Secretary Donald Winter told attendees at the Navy SEAL Warrior Fund Dinner in New York last night that Monsoor’s achievements will be given greater prominence and recognition now that DDG-1001will carry his name.
“Michael Monsoor’s name will now be linked with one of our Nation’s most visible examples of military power–a U.S. Navy warship,” Winter said. “His legacy will inspire the hearts of all who serve in the ship that bears his name.”
Monsoor, who was awarded a Silver Star in May 2006 for his brave actions to save a fallen teammate and a Bronze Star for his sustained, repeated courage under fire, joined the ranks of those who have earned the Nation’s highest distinction–the Medal of Honor, Winter said.
“He will be honored in history as one of our greatest heroes,” he added.
The Monsoor will be built by Northrop Grumman [NOC] Ship Systems, under a unique dual lead ship acquisition effort with General Dynamics [GD].
The Navy awarded the contract for the USS Elmo R. Zumwalt (DDG-1000) and the USS Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001) in February. Construction on the lead ship is expected to begin early 2009.
DDG-1000 will be delivered to the Navy in April 2013. DDG-1001, will be delivered in June 2014 (Defense Daily, Feb. 19).