The U.S. Navy has long honored those whose bravery defines the nation’s history. Today, the Navy is inscribing their stories into the hulls of its most advanced warships.

This new wave of ship naming is representing our modern warriors—and one legendary Marine whose valor bridges past and present.

The U.S. Navy uniquely honors both the fallen of September 11, 2001, and the heroes of the Global War on Terror in its most powerful instruments: its ships.

From steel salvaged from Ground Zero to namesakes of GWOT warriors, every deck tells a story.

Navy Fleet Honors GWOT and 9/11 Heroes

Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Navy has commemorated the Global War on Terror (GWOT) by incorporating the legacy of that era into its fleet.

Several ships have been named in honor of service members who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan, while others have been constructed using steel recovered from the World Trade Center.

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These vessels serve as official memorials, ensuring the events and sacrifices connected to 9/11 and its aftermath are formally recognized within naval history.

GWOT Heroes: Stories of Valor and Sacrifice

USS Travis Manion (LPD-33) - “If not me, then who?” – 1st Lt. Travis Manion, USMC

1st Lt. Travis Manion was just 26 when he was killed in Iraq in 2007, deliberately exposing himself to enemy fire to save his team.

His mantra lives on through the Travis Manion Foundation, inspiring Veterans, gold-star families, and communities across the nation.

USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) - “I was in a position to call for help … so I did.” – Lt. Michael P. Murphy, MOH Recipient

Lt. Michael Murphy, a Navy SEAL, gave his life during Operation Red Wings in Afghanistan (2005), leaving his cover to make a call for his embattled team.

His Medal of Honor citation reflects not just a moment of bravery, but the ethos of SEALs everywhere.

USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) - “I’ve got it.” – Cpl. Jason Dunham, USMC, moments before using his body to shield his Marines

In Iraq (2004), Cpl. Jason Dunham smothered a grenade with his helmet and body, saving at least two fellow Marines.

Posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor, his sacrifice stands as one of the most selfless acts of the war.

USS Rafael Peralta (DDG-115) - “My life for theirs.” – Sgt. Rafael Peralta, USMC (Navy Cross citation)

During the Second Battle of Fallujah (2004), Sgt. Rafael Peralta, mortally wounded, pulled a grenade to his chest, saving his squadmates.

His name now sails across the Pacific.

USS Robert Kerrey (DDG-146) (Planned)

Ship’s Motto: “Courage is not the absence of fear, but the ability to act in spite of it.” – Robert Kerrey, Navy SEAL, MOH Recipient

Though his Medal of Honor came from Vietnam, Robert Kerrey’s legacy as a SEAL and U.S. Senator championing veterans bridges eras. His namesake ship connects elite warrior culture past and present.

USS New York and Other 9/11 Memorial Ships

USS New York (LPD-21) - Built with 7.5 tons of steel from the World Trade Center

This ship doesn’t just honor those lost on 9/11—it carries the physical remnants of Ground Zero in its bow stem, a literal piece of history cutting through the waves.

USS Arlington (LPD-24) - Holds a piece of the Pentagon within.

Named for Arlington County, VA, this ship honors the victims and first responders of the Pentagon attack, carrying their memory wherever it sails.

USS Somerset (LPD-25) - 22 tons of steel from Flight 93’s crash site.

A tribute to the passengers of United Flight 93, whose actions saved countless lives, this ship embodies their courage in its very construction.

USS Arlington: Symbol of National Resilience

This is not just a list of ships—it’s America’s heart afloat. Each vessel is a promise that we remember:

• The Marine who said “If not me, then who?” and never came home.
• The SEAL who called for help under fire.
• The passengers of Flight 93 who refused to let evil win.

For those serving today, these ships are a compass. For those who’ve served, they’re reassurance that sacrifice endures. And for those who will serve tomorrow—they’re a challenge to live up to the names on the hull. They remind us that our Navy doesn’t just project force—it embodies memory, leadership, valor, and unity.

Our future fleet promises that the lessons of heroes past remain alive in modern missions. And they promise that the Navy’s future will be guided, as always, by honor, courage, and commitment.

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