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US Navy - Guided Missile Destroyer DDG 63 - USS Stethem |
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| 07/25 | ||
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Type,
class: Guided Missile Destroyer - DDG; Arleigh Burke
class, Flight I Builder: Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA STATUS: Awarded: February 22, 1990 Laid down: May 11, 1993 Launched: June 17, 1994 Commissioned: October 21, 1995 IN SERVICE Homeport: Naval Base San Diego, California Namesake: Petty Officer Robert Dean Stethem (1961-1985) Ships Motto: STEADFAST AND COURAGEOUS Technical Data: see: INFO > Arleigh Burke class Guided Missile Destroyer - DDG |
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 memorial ceremony for the 40th anniversary of the death of the ship's namesake, Steelworker 2nd Class Robert Dean Stethem Naval Base San Diego, California - June 13, 2025  Diego Garcia, British Overseas Territory - January 2024  Diego Garcia, British Overseas Territory - January 2024  Diego Garcia, British Overseas Territory - January 2024  Pacific Ocean - April 2023  Pacific Ocean - April 2023  live-fire exercise - Pacific Ocean - April 2023  live-fire exercise - Pacific Ocean - April 2023  Pacific Ocean - May 2022 September 2019 - August 2021: Extended Drydocking Selected Restricted Availability (E-DSRA) at BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair  undocking at BAE Systems Ship Repair - San Diego, California - June 4, 2020  docking at BAE Systems Ship Repair - San Diego, California - 2019/20  docking at BAE Systems Ship Repair - San Diego, California - October 2019  arriving at Naval Base San Diego, California after 14 years forward deployed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - July 18, 2019  arriving at Naval Base San Diego, California after 14 years forward deployed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - July 18, 2019  arriving at Naval Base San Diego, California after 14 years forward deployed to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - July 18, 2019  Shimoda, Japan - May 2019  Shimoda, Japan - May 2019  Shimoda, Japan - May 2019  Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - April 2019  Pacific Ocean - November 2017  Pacific Ocean - November 2017  Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - June 2017  Pacific Ocean - May 2017  Jeju Island, Republic of Korea - March 2017  Pacific Ocean - March 2017  Philippine Sea - March 2017  USS Stethem launches a RUM-139 VL-ASROC during exercise MultiSail 17 - Philippine Sea - March 2017  Naval Base Guam, Apra Harbor - March 2017  returning to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - November 17, 2016  returning to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - November 17, 2016  returning to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - November 17, 2016  Busan, Republic of Korea - October 2016  Busan, Republic of Korea - October 2016  off Korea - October 2016  Naval Base Guam, Apra Harbor - Septmber 2016  Exercise Valiant Shield - Philippine Sea - September 2016  Exercise Valiant Shield - Philippine Sea - September 2016  launching an RIM-66 Standard Missile SM-2MR during exercise Valiant Shield 2016 - Philippine Sea - September 2016  launching a BGM-109 Tomahawk land attack missile (TLAM) during exercise Valiant Shield 2016 - Philippine Sea - September 2016  Sydney, Australia - August 2016  Sydney, Australia - August 2016  Mk.45 Mod.2 (5"/54) gun live fire exercise - South China Sea - July 2016  Changi Naval Base, Singapore - July 2016  Muara, Brunei - May 2016  Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan - November 2015  Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - June 2015  in Dry-dock 4 at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - January 2015  Sagami Bay, Japan - December 2014  Exercise Valiant Shield - Pacific Ocean - September 2014  Exercise Valiant Shield - Pacific Ocean - September 2014  RGM-84 Harpoon SSM missile was fired from the Mk.141 launcher - Exercise Valiant Shield - Pacific Ocean - September 2014  RGM-84 Harpoon SSM missile was fired from the Mk.141 launcher - Exercise Valiant Shield - Pacific Ocean - September 2014  South China Sea - July 2014  off Yokosuka, Japan - June 2014  returning to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - November 16, 2012  Arabian Sea - July 2012  Combat Information Center (CIC) - February 2012  Indian Ocean - November 2011  in dry dock at Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - June 2011  Sasebo, Japan - March 2011  Pacific Ocean - February 2011  Exercise Keen Sword - East China Sea - December 2010  White Beach Naval Facility, Japan - November 2010  Pacific Ocean - October 2010  Pacific Ocean - October 2010  Pacific Ocean - June 2010  Pacific Ocean - June 2010  Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - May 2009  Exercise Cobra Gold - Gulf of Thailand - February 2009  Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - March 2008  Hong Kong - November 2006  Philippine Sea - October 2006  Philippine Sea - October 2006  Pacific Ocean - June 2006  Pacific Ocean - June 2006  Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - June 2006  Pacific Ocean - March 2006  Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan - June 2005  a BGM-109 Tomahawk land attack missile ( TLAM) was launched from the aft Mk.41 VLS - May 2003  a BGM-109 Tomahawk land attack missile ( TLAM) was launched from the aft Mk.41 VLS - October 2002  builder's sea trials - May 1995  builder's sea trials - May 1995  builder's sea trials - May 1995 |
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USS
Stethem (DDG 63) ... is the 13th ship of the DDG 51 ARLEIGH BURKE Aegis Destroyer program, and the sixth to be built by Ingalls Shipbuilding Division of Litton Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Construction of STETHEM began at Ingalls on May 18, 1992 and the ship’s keel was laid on May 11, 1993. DDG 63 was launched on June 17, 1994 and was christened “STETHEM” by Mrs. Patricia L. Stethem, mother of the ship’s namesake, Petty Officer Robert Dean Stethem, on July 16, 1994. STETHEM transited the Panama Canal and was commissioned on October 21, 1995 in Port Hueneme, California, home of the SEABEE’s. Shortly afterward, STETHEM moved to her new homeport of San Diego, CA. On February 15, 1996, STETHEM successfully completed her Post Delivery Test and Trials, signifying her readiness for combat operations. On the night of November 23, 1996, while returning from a port visit to Victoria, British Columbia, STETHEM was diverted on a Search and Rescue mission to recover survivors of a downed U.S. Air Force C-130 off the coast of northern California. STETHEM and her two small boats patrolled the seas in the vicinity of the crash for twenty hours while engaged in recovery efforts, for which she was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Meritorious Unit commendation Medal. STETHEM was recognized for her spectacular achievements during her first year of service by winning the 1996 Destroyer Squadron Twenty-One Battle Efficiency Award for outstanding ship-wide mission readiness. On April 4, 1997, Commander Steven Miller, the Pre-commissioning Commanding Officer, was relieved by Commander James O’Keefe III. STETHEM sailed to the Arabian Gulf for her maiden overseas deployment in May and reported for duties in Bahrain in July 3. Over the course of the next three months, she served as primary Air Warfare Commander, Surface Warfare Commander, Ready Strike Platform, and LINK Coordinator. While fulfilling these multiple warfare roles, STETHEM provided support to both the CONSTELLATION and JOHN F. KENNEDY Battle Groups and U.S. Air force aircraft engaged in Operation Southern Watch. STETHEM supported United Nations Security Council resolutions against Iraq, conducting 54 boardings and inspections of suspected sanctions violators. STETHEM’s first deployment included port visits to Singapore, Malaysia, Bahrain, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Perth and Sydney, Australia. She returned to San Diego in November 1997 to begin her second inter-deployment training cycle. Starting with an outstanding command Assessment of Readiness for Training (CART II) in May 1998, STETHEM set the standard for tailored training by demonstrating exceptional proficiency in Combat Systems, Navigation, Engineering, Mobility, Damage Control, and Logistics Management. STETHEM’s training teams’ commitment to mission readiness resulted in the validation of all Final Evaluation Period objectives during Tailored Shipboard Training Availability Phase III (TSTA III) - a first for any Surface Combatant. On September 25, Commander O’Keffe was relieved as Commanding Officer by Commander Gerard Hueber. On April 16, 1999, STETHEM departed on her second deployment to the Arabian Gulf as part of Middle East Force 99-2. After port visits to Guam, Saipan, Singapore, and Thailand, STETHEM reported for duty in the Gulf and quickly went to work conducting Freedom of Navigation Operations and Maritime Interception Operations. Over the course of her seventy-six days on station, STETHEM served as Air Warfare Commander, Ready Strike Platform, and Force Over-the-Horizon Track Coordinator and also had the opportunity to support the THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle Group as Air Warfare Carrier Escort and Plane Guard. After serving a second time as command ship for Northern Arabian Gulf Maritime Interception Operations, STETHEM transited the Strait of Hormuz on August 13. After port visits to Fremantle and Port Kembla, Australia and Suva, Fiji, the ship arrived home in San Diego on October 4. In January the ship was honored for her achievements and awarded with the 1999 Destroyer Squadron Twenty-One Battle Efficiency Award, her second such award in just over four years of service. She was the recipient of the Raytheon CIWS Award, the Pacific Force Retention Award, and the Safety Award. On April 6, 2000, Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SEAL/EOD) Kenneth Stethem, Robert’s brother, honored the ship by retiring after twenty years of faithful and valorous service in the Special Warfare community. On April 7, Commander Gerard Hueber was relieved as Commanding Officer by Commander Craig S. Faller. In mid-September 2000 and during a port visit in San Francisco, STETHEM was called out to sea by the Joint Inter-Agency Task force West. STETHEM escorted fishing vessel Gran Tauro, caught with over five metric tons of uncut cocaine aboard – a net worth of over $500 million, to San Diego. The waning days of December were spent conducting final preparations for the MEF 01-1 Deployment and relaxing after another successful year of operations and training. The ship was honored for her achievements and awarded with the 2000 Destroyer Squadron Twenty-One Battle Efficiency Award for the second consecutive year. On January 13, 2001, STETHEM departed on her third deployment to the Arabian Gulf as part of MEF 01-1. After port visits to Hawaii, Guam, Singapore, and Thailand, STETHEM in-chopped FIFTH Fleet on February 28, 2001. Over the course of her sixty-eight days on station in the Arabian Gulf, STETHEM conducted Maritime Interception Operations, served as Air Warfare Commander, supported Operation Southern Watch, served as a ready strike platform, and participated as a key player in two international naval exercises, Arabian Gauntlet and Neon Falcon. Maritime Interception Operations resulted in the capture of Motor Vessel Diamond, the third largest arrest of an oil-smuggling sanctions violator since the gulf War. STETHEM escorted the HARRY S. TRUMAN through the Strait of Hormuz on 27 April and, after port visits to Oman, Singapore, Darwin and Cairns, Australia, American Samoa, and Hawaii, the ship arrived home in San Diego on June 28 2001. On the 21st of November, surrounded by family and friends in San Diego, Commander Craig S. Faller was relieved as Commanding Officer by Commander David W. Melin. November 21st, also marked STETHEM’s change of Immediate Superior in Command (ISIC) from Commander Destroyer Squadron 21 to the “Little Beavers” under Commander Destroyer Squadron 23. STETHEM completed her first Drydock Selective Restricted Availability (DSRA.) and the first installation phase of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS) in December. Also, in December, STETHEM was designated the sole test ship for the developing Tactical Tomahawk Weapons system. On January 31st, 2002, STETHEM performed the first foreign port visit by a U.S. Pacific Fleet ship after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. While in Puerto Vallarta the STEELWORKERs donated their time to paint an orphanage, touching in a positive way the lives of many less fortunate children. In the ensuing months STETHEM embarked on her third Inter Deployment Training Cycle (IDTC) and served as Command Destroyer Squadron 23’s Flagship throughout the month of February. In March, STETHEM completed the Command Assessment of Readiness for Training II (CART II). Between the weeks of April 1 and May 3, 2002, STETHEM completed the Tailored Ship’s Training Availability period. On May 6 STETHEM served as the opposition forces for the ABRAHAM LINCOLN Carrier Battle Group’s Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX). In early June, STETHEM ensured her seventh Engineering Command excellance award as a result of outstanding performance during the Engineering Underway Demonstration. On July 8-12, she commenced a Supply Management Assessment which was upgraded to an Inspection because of her exemplary Combat Logistics readiness. Returning to the site of her commissioning in 1995, at the end of July, STETHEM took part in the 60th Anniversary of SEABEE Days in Port Hueneme, CA in honor of her namesake. She then transited to Everett, WA, embarked families and friends for the short transit to participate in the Seattle Seafair Festival. On September 12, 2002, STETHEM was given the distinct privilege of leading the Parade of Sail into San Diego Bay. In the beginning of October, STETHEM occupied a place of honor downtown at Broadway Pier as part of San Diego’s Fleet Week Celebration. While at Broadway Pier, STETHEM safely hosted the first public Navy ship tours in San Diego after the September 11th attacks. Soon afterward, on October 16, STETHEM successfully launched the first Tomahawk Cruise Missile using the new Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS). At the end of October, STETHEM once again played the role of opposition force, this time for the CONSTELLATION Carrier Battle Group. In January 2003, STETHEM played the opposition force role for the NIMITZ Carrier Battle Group. On February 5, 2003, STETHEM returned to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for another port visit. Working with the San Diego and Puerto Vallarta Navy League Chapters, STETHEM delivered medical equipment for distribution to handicapped residents of Puerto Vallarta. The STEELWORKERs also painted the local library frequented by many of Puerto Vallarta’s school children. On April 5, 2003, STETHEM successfully performed the first ever surface ship launch of a Block IV Tactical Tomahawk Cruise Missile, bringing it one big step closer to fleet introduction. This was followed up on 08 May with the first surface ship launch of a Block IV Tactical Tomahawk Cruise Missile with a live warhead. After the missile left the launcher, STETHEM’s strike team became the first to demonstrate Tactical Tomahawk’s post launch execution capability when they redirected the missile in flight. Both the team and the missile performed flawlessly completely destroying the intended target on San Clemente Island after over 2 hours and 700 miles of missile flight. On May 14th, after a two week Intermediate Maintenance Availability, STETHEM sailed in support of a different kind of missile firing exercise. During this exercise STETHEM’s Airwarfare Team engaged two air borne targets with Standard Missiles. After this successful engagement, STETHEM celebrated by transiting north to Juneau, Alaska and Victoria, B. C. for some well deserved rest and relaxation. All of the STEELWORKER’s took advantage of great opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. Returning from her trek up North in June, STETHEM rested for one week and then put back to sea to serve as the Opposition Force against Pacific Fleet’s first Expeditionary Strike Group which was headed up by USS PELELIU. On July 3, 2003, surrounded by friends and family, Commander David W. Melin was relieved by Commander Charles F. Williams. Today, we are continuing our successes with our new Commander and our great crew. In June 2005 USS Stethem arrived in its new homeport of Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. In August USS Stethem participated in integrated strike group operations, during last two weeks, including Joint Air Sea Exercise 2005 (JASEX ‘05). In October DDG 63 departed Yokosuka for a fall underway period with the USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) Carrier Strike Group. In November Stethem participated in Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX) 2005. In March 2006 USS Stethem concluded a three-day Passing Exercise (PASSEX), in the western Pacific Ocean, with the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) CSG and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships. In May the Stethem participated in a Multi-Sail 2006 as part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15. In October USS Stethem departed homeport for a regularly scheduled deployment It included participation in Counter Special Operations Forces Exercise (CSOFEX) 06. She then joined the USS Essex (LHD 2) Amphibious Ready Group for Talon Vision and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2007. In November USS Stethem participated in ANNUALEX. In January 2007 USS Stethem conducted flight deck qualifications off the coast of Japan. She returned to homeport In February. In April USS Stethem participated in exercise Malabar 07-01. In May USS Stethem departed for its Spring Patrol in the Pacific Ocean. In August DDG 63 participated in exercise Valiant Shield 2007. In March 2008 The guided-missile destroyer returned to Yokosuka after completing a routine underway period. February 9, 2009 USS Stethem participated in exercise Cobra Gold 2009, as part of the Essex (LHD 2) ESG. April 16, 2010 DDG 63 participated in a Multi-Sail exercise off the coast of Okinawa. In May USS Stethem was with the USS George Washington (CVN 73) CSG to support security and stability in the 7th fleet Area of Responsibility. In November USS Stethem returned to Fleet Activities Yokosuka after a two-month Fall Patrol and later participated in joint naval drills with the Republic of Korea naval forces, in the waters west of the Korean Peninsula, as part of USS George Washington CSG. In March 2011 The guided-missile destroyer participated in annual exercise Foal Eagle. In April USS Stethem participated in exercise Malabar 2011, with the Indian Navy. In October USS Stethem participated in a bilateral Annual Exercise (ANNUALEX), as part of the USS George Washington CSG. January 29, 2012 DDG 63 participated in Multi-Sail 2012 exercise off the coast of Okinawa. In March USS Stethem departed homeport for a scheduled independent deployment in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet AoR. In November USS Stethem returned to Yokosuka, Japan, after an eight-month deployment. From January 10-16, 2013, DDG 63 was underway for local operations and ammo offload at A-12 anchorage. Stethem is homeported in Yokosuka, Japan; the front line of our Forward Deployed Naval Forces in the Pacific. source: DDG-63 |
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Petty Officer Robert Dean Stethem (November 17, 1961 - June
15, 1985): Robert Dean Stethem (November 17, 1961 - June 15, 1985) was a United States Navy Seabee diver who was killed by Hezbollah militants during the hijacking of the commercial airliner he was aboard: TWA Flight 847. His Navy rating was Steel Worker Second Class (SW2). Biography Robert Stethem was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, but grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia & Waldorf, Maryland. He was one of four children. His father and two brothers also served in the U.S. Navy. His mother was a civilian Navy administrator. He graduated from Thomas Stone High School in 1980, where he played defensive back on the varsity and junior varsity football teams. He joined the Navy shortly after graduating. In the Navy, Stethem was a Seabee Steelworker assigned to NMCB-62 in Gulfport, MS. Assigned to NMCB-62, Stethem served multiple tours on Diego Garcia and Guam. Later, Stethem became a 2nd Class Navy Diver and was assigned to the Navy's Underwater Construction Team in Little Creek, Virginia. In June 1985, Petty Officer Stethem was returning from an assignment in Nea Makri, Greece aboard TWA Flight 847 when it was hijacked by members of the Lebanese organization Hezbollah. The hijackers held 39 people hostage for 17 days, demanding the release of 766 Lebanese and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. When their demands were not met, Stethem was targeted as a member of the U.S. military, and was beaten and tortured. Finally, the hijackers shot him and dumped his body onto the tarmac at the Beirut airport. One of the hijackers, Mohammed Ali Hammadi, was arrested two years later in Frankfurt, Germany. He was tried and convicted of Stethem's murder. He was sentenced to life in jail. Three others, Imad Mugniyah, Hassan Izz-Al-Din and Ali Atwa were eventually indicted for their involvement in the incident. In 2002, they were added to the FBI Most Wanted Terrorists list. On February 13, 2008, Imad Mugniyah was killed in an explosion in Damascus, Syria. Mohammed Ali Hammadi was paroled in December 2005 and returned to Lebanon. It is speculated that he was released in a prisoner swap in exchange for the release of Susanne Osthoff, who was kidnapped in Iraq one month earlier. It was reported by Pakistani intelligence Mohammed Ali Hammadi was killed in June 2010 in Pakistan along the Afghanistan border by a US Drone along with 10 other foreigners staging attacks against NATO forces in Afghanistan. Awards and decorations Stethem was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. He is buried in Arlington National Cemetery Section 59, near other American victims of international terrorism. In 1995, the U.S. Navy launched an Aegis Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer, the USS Stethem (DDG-63) in his honor. In his hometown of Waldorf, there is a sports complex named in his honor on Piney Church Road, in the center of which is a large stone memorial to Stethem, above which a U.S. flag flies. There is also a Vocational school located in Pomfret, Maryland named the Robert D. Stethem Educational Center. In Virginia Beach, Virginia there is a barracks named in his honor at Damneck Naval Base. A Navy Lodge in Gulfport, Mississippi also bears his name. In addition, the Port Hueneme Naval Construction Training Center Headquarters Building and a street on the base in his honor. Honors Robert D. Stethem Memorial Park includes 10 ball fields, two of which have 90-foot infields; the complex is the main complex for Waldorf American and Waldorf National Little Leagues. It was opened in 1990 and boasts a memorial stone 75 yards from Stethem's memorial, which includes a tribute plaque to several former Waldorf players, as well as local umpires and district officials who have lost their lives. In October 1995, the US Navy commissioned an Aegis Class Destroyer, DDG 63, the USS Stethem in his honor for his bravery and sacrifice. On August 24, 2010 onboard USS Stethem in Yokosuka, Japan, Robert Dean Stethem was made an honorary Constructionman Master Chief Petty Officer by the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy.
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