Marine Expeditionary Force commanding general, Lt. Gen. John A. Toolan is photographed with the family of Navy Cross recipient Sgt. Rafael Peralta, who was killed in action in Iraq, during the naming ceremony for guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta. U.S. Navy photo by Lance Cpl. Anna Albrecht.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Navy will christen its newest guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta on Saturday, the Department of Defense announced.
The General Dynamics-built destroyer USS Rafael Peralta, designated DDG 115, is named after Marine Corpse Sgt. Rafael Peralta. Peralta was killed in action while in combat supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Department of Defense credits Peralta for saving fellow Marines during the second battle of Fallujah in 2004. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus says the new vessel will honor the fallen Marine.
"The tremendous efforts of the highly-skilled men and women of the General Dynamics Bath Iron Works team have brought this ship from an idea to a reality," Mabus said in a statement ahead of the christening. "Their work will ensure that the heroism, service and sacrifice of Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta will be honored and remembered by all who come in contact with DDG 115 long after this great warship is christened."
Rafael Peralta is the third of 14 planned ships part of the DDG 51 program contract. The program involves the development and production of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, vessels designed to support carrier groups, surface action groups, and other defensive operations including anti-submarine, anti-air, and anti-surface combat.
The christening ceremony will feature Marine Corps General Robert B. Neller, who is scheduled to deliver the principal address. Family members of Sgt. Peralta will also be in attendance. Maria Peralta, Sgt. Peralta's mother, will serve as the ship's sponsor and officially christen the USS Rafael Peralta.
