Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) - Naval Cruise Book

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Coat of Arms USS ARLEIGH BURKE QDDG 5'lj The Shield The crest outlined in blue and gold stands for the outstanding achievements in battle of Admiral Burke against the naval power of japan, a formidable foe. 2 n The fist and mace symbolize the offensive defense power of the new destroyer. The mace, also a symbol of authority, represents Admiral Burke's outstanding service as Chief of Naval Operations. lt also refers to Admiral Marc Mitscher, an influential figure and men- tor, for whom Admiral Burke served as Chief of Staff. Admiral Burke's Destroyer Squadron 23, represented by the boarder of 23 ovals, was the only United States Destroyer Squadron awarded a Presidential Unit Citation, signified by the canton of blue yellow, and red. The ovals also refer to the year 1923 in which Midshipman Burke was graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Twenty-three also reflects Admiral Burke's distinguished service on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations as KOP-23l The Crest The mounted figure of St. George recalls Admiral Burke's cele- brated victory in the Battle of Cape St. George over japanese naval forces. His mantle bears a gold cross for the Navy Cross awarded to the Admiral. The birch branch on the helmet represents Admiral Burke himself, a reference to his name derived from his Scandina- vlan heritage. The red sea dragon symbolizes japanese naval power assaulted by the forces under Captain Burke's command. It is gorged ifvlth the two gold stars he was awarded for outstanding service The tance impaling the dragon signifies ordinance on target. The capa- bl ities of theinbew destroyer, the most powerful and survivable ever UI t, are signified .by the full armor and equipment of the warrior St George. The Admiral's nickname 31-K t B k ' I l number 31 on the horse's harness. no ur e ls recal ed by the

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Admiral Arleigh Burke, United SUITES NaVY ' ed States Nav 's most famous destroyer squadron com- mglrilldlellllbltdmiral ArleighyA. Burke, was born in Boulder, Colcgrado on 19 October 1901. After graduating from the NavalhAc6 emgjf on 8 june 1923, and receiving a commission as Ensign in Ezfggntoec' States Navy he served on the ARIZONA IBB 39lHf1d PRO d l. 117 before returning to the Academy for post graduate e ucatiorm and then the University of Michigan where he received his master s ' ' ' in 1931. degbt-l?ngn Ilevrbillrdeflllbllgll, he received orders to the South Pacific where, under Admiral Halsey, he successively commanded Destroy- er Squadron 43, Destroyer Squadron 44, Destroyer Sqiuadron 12, and Destroy Squadron 23. Known as the Little Beavers after their insignia based on the comic strip character, Destroyer Squadron 23 covered the initial landings in Bougainville in November 1943, and fought in twenty-two separate engagements during the next four months. The final score of the Little Beavers sinkings was one enemy cruiser, nine destroyers, one submarine, several smaller ships, and approximately thirty aircraft. From Destroyer Command in the South Pacific, he reported in March of 1944 as Chief of Staff to Commander, Fast Carrier Tack Force 58 under Admiral Marc Mitscher. While serving with this famed carrier force, Admiral Burke was promoted to Commodore. He was aboard BUNKER HILL and ENTERPRISE when they were hit by japanese suicide planes during the Okinawa campaign. At the outbreak of the Korean war, Admiral Forrest Sherman, then CNO, ordered Admiral Burke to duty as Deputy Chief of Staff to Commander Naval Forces, Far East. From there, he assumed command of Cruiser Division five, and in july 1951 he was made a member of the United Nations Truce Delegation to negotiate with the communists for a military armistice on Korea. After six months in the truce tents, he returned to the Officer of the Chief of Naval Operations as Director of Strategic Plans Division until 1954. In April 1954, he took command of Cruiser Division Six, and in january 1955 assumed command of Destroyer Force Atlantic Fleet in which capacity he served until August 1955 when President Eisen- gfalgzifolgmmlnflgid him to succeeded Admiral Robert B.. Carney as t hi Hava perations., by passing 87 active duty officers senior bof im. e served an unprecedented three terms in that office e ore transferring to the. Retired List on 1 August 1961 DDC. 51, the lead ship in the new class of AEGIS 'dl d ' 'I iflfltllgecyitl-i:si3ll'3as been designated by .the Secretary o?Lll15Naklf5?Iai Nav Surf RKE.in honor of Admiral Burke, national hero and y ace warrior, The event marks the first t' I I ' has been named for a living person. 'me a Gad Navy Ship