The Legacy of Valor: USS Bainbridge and the Man Behind the Name

Throughout the history of the United States Navy, the name "Bainbridge" has stood as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and naval excellence. Honoring Commodore William Bainbridge, a towering figure of early American sea power, five warships have borne the name USS Bainbridge, each upholding a tradition of courage and competence across generations.

Commodore William Bainbridge: The Namesake

Born in 1774 in Princeton, New Jersey, William Bainbridge's naval career began during the early days of the U.S. Navy. He served with distinction in the Quasi-War with France, the First Barbary War, and the War of 1812. Though his career included setbacks—most notably the capture of his ship, USS Philadelphia, off Tripoli in 1803—his resolve remained unshaken.

His greatest triumph came as captain of the USS Constitution during the War of 1812. In December 1812, Bainbridge led the legendary frigate to victory against HMS Java off the coast of Brazil, securing a significant morale boost for the young American republic. Later in life, Bainbridge served as a member of the Board of Naval Commissioners, contributing to the foundation of a professional and permanent Navy.

A Tradition of Warships: The Five USS Bainbridges

• USS Bainbridge (1842) - A 12-gun brig that patrolled the African coast as part of the Navy's anti-slavery operations. She was lost at sea near Cape Horn in 1863.
• USS Bainbridge (DD-1) - Commissioned in 1902, this was the U.S. Navy's first destroyer. She served in the Asiatic Fleet and patrolled the American coastline during World War I.
• USS Bainbridge (DD-246) - A Clemson-class destroyer commissioned in 1921. She provided convoy escort during World War II and participated in civilian rescue missions, including the response to the SS Morro Castle fire disaster in 1934. She was decommissioned in 1945.
• USS Bainbridge (CGN-25) - Launched in 1961 as DLGN-25 and later reclassified as a nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser. She was the second nuclear surface ship in the U.S. Navy and part of the historic Task Force One global cruise in 1964. Decommissioned in 1996.
• USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) - The most modern namesake, this Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer continues the legacy today.

USS Bainbridge (DDG-96): A Modern Warfighter

Commissioned in November 2005 and built at Bath Iron Works in Maine, USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) is an Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA guided-missile destroyer, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk. She represents the cutting edge of multi-mission surface combatant capability, equipped with the Aegis Combat System, Tomahawk cruise missiles, advanced radar and sonar, and anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare systems.

Notable Missions and Operations

• 2009 Maersk Alabama Hijacking: Bainbridge made headlines during the rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, held hostage by Somali pirates after the hijacking of the cargo ship Maersk Alabama. The operation, which ended with Navy SEAL snipers neutralizing the threat, showcased the Navy's precision and resolve. This event was later dramatized in the film “Captain Phillips.”
• 2019 Gulf of Oman Response: In June 2019, Bainbridge answered a distress call from the tanker Kokuka Courageous following an explosion. She rescued all 21 crew members and provided immediate assistance amid rising tensions in the region.

Deployment and Global Reach

Bainbridge has deployed extensively with carrier strike groups and has patrolled the Mediterranean Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Persian Gulf. She has supported freedom of navigation operations, maritime security patrols, anti-piracy missions, and joint training exercises with allied navies.

As of 2022, Bainbridge was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 28 under Carrier Strike Group 8, alongside USS Harry S. Truman, maintaining presence and readiness in an era of great power competition.

A Living Legacy

More than just a ship, USS Bainbridge (DDG-96) is a living embodiment of the principles Commodore Bainbridge upheld: courage in adversity, discipline in execution, and commitment to the Navy and nation. Through every mission, every patrol, and every moment at sea, the ship honors its namesake and continues a story more than two centuries in the making.