Namesake:

Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan

The ship is named in honor of Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, USN (1840-1914) who served with the union's blockading squadrons during the Civil War, and for two terms as President of the Naval War College. Admiral Mahan is a renowned U.S. Naval theoretician and is best known as the author of the book "Influence of Sea Power on History", which with his other scholarly works, continues to influence strategic and geopolitical thinking throughout the world.

Historical Notes:

Ship's Crest:

Supporters:The crossed swords express strength through teamwork and cooperation from the Enlisted and Officer Corps. Represented are the enlisted cutlass and the officer sword.

The Shield: Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the Navy and represent the sea and excellence. The trident, symbolizing sea power, denotes DDG 72s warfare capabilities and underscores the importance of a strong Navy. The gauntlet and torch are adapted from the previous USS MAHANs emblem and highlight the ships namesake, Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan, as the father of all modern navies. The tines of the trident represent the three previous ships named MAHAN, as well as the Officer, Chief Petty Officer and Enlisted Corps of personnel which man the ship.

The Crest: The central star commemorates the second USS MAHANs World War II battle honors (five battle stars), earned before she was sunk by Kamikazes. The twelve small stars on the gauntlet denote the battle stars of the third USS MAHAN for service in the Vietnam War. The unfurled scroll underscores Mahan as the author of "The Influence of Sea Power Upon History (1660-1783)". The compass rose and gauntlet represent Mahans influence of sea power, its strategy and geopolitical importance worldwide. The wreath combines laurel and palm to symbolize honor and victory.

Motto: The motto was chosen in remembrance of Admiral Arleigh Burke in memory of his many contributions to the U.S. Navy. During the commissioning of the USS ARLEIGH BURKE, Admiral Burke issued the following challenge to those who man this class of ship: "This ship is built to fight; youd better know how."

PHOTOS