There has been a notable increase in focus by the U.S. Navy to produce expeditionary sea bases (ESBs) and the latest one coming into service is being named after a genuine hero, Sgt. Maj. John L. Canley. The USS John L. Canley (ESB 6) gets its name from a Black Marine Veteran who received the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam War. Although passing in 2022, the heroic legacy of John L. Canley lives on with the newest generation of vessels aiming to protect American interests all over the world. Suggested read: Air Force Recruitment Improving While Army, Navy Lag

The USS John L. Canley Is Officially Entering Service

In February 2024, the USS John L. Canley officially began service as the Navy’s latest ESB ship. It was named after Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant Major John L. Canley and will serve as a mobile command dock for Sailors and Marines. A ceremony was held at Naval Air Station North Island featuring many different top-level military officials, such as Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Sgt. Maj. Carlos Ruiz, and the ship’s Commander, Capt. Thomas Mays. The dedication of the ship for John L. Canley, Medal of Honor recipient, was announced shortly after his death during the christening held on June 25, 2022. This latest ceremony was to officially commission the ship, held on February 17, 2024. Related read: Meet Ed Dwight Who Was Almost the First Black Astronaut

Earning the First Medal of Honor for a Living Black Marine

Canley became a Marine in 1953 and served three deployments during the Vietnam War through a variety of roles that included a Gunnery Sergeant with Company A, First Battalion, First Marines, and First Marine Division. It was during this deployment, in 1968, that Canley would find himself in the middle of the Tet Offensive where North Vietnamese troops were seizing Hue and pinning down Americans with gunfire. Company A was tasked to help the Americans and for days, the Marines would undertake harsh fighting to reclaim control of the city. But success came with a price. The company’s Commander was wounded in battle and the group needed a leader. Canley took over the responsibilities. Despite having injuries, he led attacks while rescuing fellow Marines. This led to Canley earning the Navy Cross; however, this wasn’t good enough for the Marines who witnessed his heroics firsthand. It would take many years of support and activism; however, in 2018, Congress would finally upgrade his accolades to include the Medal of Honor. This made Canley the only living Black Marine to receive the award as others were awarded after they had passed away. Canley was 84 before losing his battle with cancer. When the ship was commissioned, surviving members from Company A were in attendance, witnessing the ship’s first watch along with a 19-gun salute. The USS John L. Canley is a Lewis B. Puller-class ESB that helps the Navy and Marines dock while at sea. While somewhat similar, these ships are smaller than aircraft carriers.

The USS John L. Canley Should Find Plenty to Do

When not at the USS John L. Canley homeport, the ESB is likely to find many applications as naval warfare heats up around the globe. The U.S. Navy was already inspired to increase its fleet to meet evolving challenges because of tension with China. However, conflict in the Red Sea continues to present violent challenges. Since the advent of the war against Hamas, other groups and nations have been supporting both Israeli and Palestinian sides. The Houthi rebel movement has taken to attacking military and commercial ships in the Red Sea in a show of support for Hamas. There has already been use of an ESB, like the USS John L. Canley by Americans intercepting weapons from Iran to the rebels. Read next: Farewell to a Military Icon: JoAnne Bass Announces Retirement