The USS Ross (DDG-71), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, has served as both a symbol and a protector of American strength on the world’s oceans. Commissioned in 1997, the ship bears the name of a man whose courage and valor left an indelible mark on the history of the United States Navy—Captain Donald K. Ross, a leader whose leadership and sacrifice during the War of 1812 exemplified the highest ideals of military service.
Captain Ross’s legacy is not one of fame, but of quiet heroism. It was his relentless courage that earned him the Navy’s highest honors, particularly during the naval battles of the World War II, when he displayed an unwavering commitment to defending the United States. It is this spirit of leadership and sacrifice that the USS Ross was named to honor—a ship built to embody these ideals in the modern age.
With its state-of-the-art Aegis Combat System and sophisticated missile defense capabilities, the USS Ross quickly became an integral part of the U.S. Navy’s fleet. Over the years, she has participated in missions across the globe, from patrolling the Mediterranean to maintaining peace and stability in the Middle East. Her crew has carried out vital work, whether in the form of missile defense, humanitarian aid, or critical deterrence against potential threats.