The USS Jason Dunham (DDG-109) is more than a warship. She is a living tribute to a hero whose legacy embodies the very essence of selfless sacrifice. Commissioned in 2010, this Arleigh Burke-class destroyer bears the name of Marine Corps Corporal Jason L. Dunham, a young man whose extraordinary act of valor in the heat of combat in Iraq would forever change the lives of those who served beside him and the nation he loved.
In 2004, while on a patrol in the Al Anbar province, Corporal Dunham’s vehicle was ambushed by insurgents. When a grenade was thrown into his vehicle, Dunham acted swiftly—throwing himself on the grenade to shield his fellow Marines from the blast. His sacrifice saved the lives of his comrades, but at a great cost. Dunham was fatally wounded, and he passed away later from his injuries, but his courageous actions earned him the Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest military award.
In the years that followed, the USS Jason Dunham was constructed, serving as a testament to his heroism. With its advanced systems and capabilities, the ship stands ready to defend American interests around the world—whether engaging in combat, humanitarian missions, or maritime security operations. But it is not just the ship's weaponry or design that defines her; it is the spirit of the man she is named for.
Corporal Jason Dunham's name lives on, not only in the ship that carries it but in the hearts of those who serve aboard her. Each mission the USS Jason Dunham embarks upon is a reminder of the ultimate price of freedom—a price paid by one man so that others might live. His memory continues to inspire and fuel the courage of the sailors and Marines who follow in his footsteps, as they protect the freedoms he so valiantly gave his life to defend.
