The name The Sullivans is synonymous with courage, sacrifice, and the deep bonds of family. It is a name carried forward by one of the U.S. Navy's most enduring and beloved ships—the USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer commissioned in 1997. This ship, like the five Sullivan brothers whose memory it honors, stands as a symbol of the sacrifices made in service to the nation.
In 1942, during World War II, the five Sullivan brothers—George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Albert—perished together when their ship, the USS Juneau (CL 52), was sunk during a battle in the Pacific. Their deaths shocked the nation, serving as a somber reminder of the heavy price of war and the sacrifices made by families in service to the United States. To honor their legacy, the Navy named this modern destroyer after the Sullivan brothers, ensuring their story would be remembered, and their sacrifice never forgotten. The USS The Sullivans is not just a vessel; she is a living tribute. Equipped with advanced radar systems, missile defense capabilities, and powerful weaponry, the ship is capable of a wide array of missions, from air defense to anti-submarine warfare. But her significance transcends the technology that powers her. She embodies the spirit of resilience, honor, and camaraderie. Aboard her, sailors form bonds that are not unlike those of the Sullivan brothers—unbreakable and enduring, forged in the face of duty and commitment. As the USS The Sullivans continues to serve, she carries with her the weight of history, the spirit of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and a reminder of the enduring strength of the U.S. Navy. In every mission, every wave she cuts through, the legacy of the Sullivan brothers lives on.
The USS The Sullivans (DDG 68): A Legacy of Sacrifice and Service