WASHINGTON, 26 March 2022, (TON): The Navy will christen the future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), the first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, during a 10 a.m. CDT ceremony, March 26, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

Jacklyn Harold “Jack” Lucas, the ship’s namesake, served as a U.S. Marine during World War II and was awarded the Medal of Honor at the age of 17, making him the youngest recipient.

Private First Class Lucas received the award during the Iwo Jima campaign when he hurled himself on two grenades to absorb the explosion with his own body and protect his fellow Marines. Surviving the blast, Lucas lived until June 5, 2008, when he died from cancer.

The future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) is the first combat warship to bear his name.

Admiral Michael Gilday, Chief of Naval Operations, will deliver the christening ceremony’s principal address.

The Honorable Roger Wicker, U.S. Sen. from Mississippi; the Honorable Steven Palazzo, U.S. Rep. from Mississippi’s Fourth District; the Honorable Meredith Berger, Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy; Major General Jason Bohm, Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command; and Ms. Kari Wilkinson, President of Ingalls Shipbuilding will also provide remarks.