The ship is named in honor of 1st Sgt. Jimmie E. Howard, USMC (1929–1993), recipient of the Medal of Honor for his leadership of a platoon against repeated attacks by a battalion-sized Viet Cong force. After receiving severe wounds from an enemy grenade, he distributed ammunition to his men and directed air strikes on the enemy. By dawn, his beleaguered platoon still held their position. Howard had also received the Silver Star Medal for his service in the Korean War. Every time Howard set to sea from her previous homeport of San Diego, she passed within view of 1st Sgt. Howard's grave at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and saluted her namesake.
Service history
On 16 February 2007, Howard was awarded the 2006 Battle "E" award.[1]
On 28 September 2008, Howard was reported to be in pursuit of the Ukrainian ship Faina, which on 25 September 2008 was captured by Somali pirates en route to Kenya. Faina was reported to be carrying 33 Russian-built T-72 tanks along with ammunition and spare parts.[2]Faina was eventually released by the pirates 5 February 2009.
In 2008, Howard received the 2008 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy Award and provided humanitarian assistance to the Philippines.[3]
On 26 November 2021, Howard made a port call in Wellington, New Zealand. It is the first time a U.S. Navy warship has made a port call in New Zealand since 2016.[4]
On 10 August 2023, Howard experienced a "soft-grounding" outside of Bali, Indonesia. On 19 August 2023 Vice Admiral Karl Thomas, commanding Officer US 7th Fleet, removed Howard's Commanding Officer at the time, due to a "loss of confidence in his ability to command" as a result of the grounding.[5]
On 6 February 2024, the Navy announced that Commander Cameron Dennis was also relieved due to a “loss of confidence in his ability to perform his duties.” Press reports indicated his removal was due to unprofessional comments he had made.[6]
Coat of arms
Shield
The shield has a background of light blue, dark blue, and gold. The upper shield consists of an oriental dragon, while the bottom contains stars configured to the Southern Cross.
The traditional Navy colors were chosen for the shield because dark blue and gold represents the sea and excellence respectively. The oriental dragon symbolizes the ship's service in the Pacific and fighting spirit of the platoon under the leadership of Gunnery Sergeant Howard. The stars are configured to the Southern Cross and represent the First Marine Division patch worn by Gunnery Sergeant Howard.
Crest
The crest consists of a Medal of Honor neck pad in the shape of a radar array with a crossed Navy and Marine sword.
USS Howard's combat actions and war fighting legacy are represented by the six battle stars. Gunnery Sergeant Howard was awarded a Medal of Honor for gallantry and intrepidity under fire, which is represented by the neck pad. The neck pad also highlights the modern warfare capabilities, represented with the AEGIS array. A Crossed Naval Sword and Marine Mameluke signify teamwork and cooperation, exhibited with support from USS Howard's advanced combat systems for Marines ashore.
Motto
The motto is written on a scroll of white with blue reverse side.
The ship's motto is "Ready for Victory". The motto is a reference to the honor, courage, and commitment of USS Howard's sailors for justifying she is ready for all operations in peace and will always be victorious in combat.
Seal
The coat of arms in full color as in the blazon, upon a white background enclosed within a dark blue oval border edged on the outside with a gold rope and bearing the inscription "USS Howard" at the top and "DDG 83" in the base all gold.
Awards
Howard has been awarded the Navy Battle "E" several times
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