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CNO Honors Meyer's Legacy at Commissioning

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091011-01
Release Date: 10/11/2009 7:09:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) delivered remarks at the commissioning of the Navy's 56th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108), Oct. 10.

CNO, Adm. Gary Roughead said Wayne E. Meyer, which carries the 100th Aegis Combat System, would hold a special place in the fleet and in the Navy because it is named for the man who is Aegis, who envisioned it and who brought it to life.

"You are fortunate because you have the privilege to be Sailors in the United States Navy in defense of the United States of America. In the history of our nation, there have been only a few who have been able to lay that claim," Roughead said. "And for that reason, you have a tremendous opportunity before you."

This capable warship will be effectively conducting a variety of operations, from ballistic missile defense, counter-piracy operations, humanitarian assistance and fostering maritime partnerships and maritime security through operations with navies around the world.

CNO emphasized the significance of the first crew that will set the course for the next 35 years and bring Meyer to life sailing the world's oceans to protect our nation and allies around the globe.

"And I know the Sailors of Wayne E. Meyer will keep his spirit of excellence and his drive to serve in mind in all you do. Excellence can be your only standard because you are the most important ship; you are the most important crew this ship will have in its long history," Roughead said.

The ship honors Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer, who led the development of Aegis, the first fully, integrated combat system built to defend against air, surface and subsurface threats. Roughead said the spirit of the ship's namesake, Rear Adm. Wayne E. Meyer his memory and legacy will live on in our Navy.

"Even though he only left us a short time ago, his legacy will live on in this ship and in the spirit and in the officers and Sailors who will serve her for generations to come," said Roughead. "His legacy, indeed he does have one powerful legacy, and his memory will live on in our Navy."