USS Porter (DDG-78)

• Namesake Legacy: USS Porter (DDG-78) is the fifth U.S. Navy ship named after Commodore David Porter and his son, Admiral David Dixon Porter, both distinguished naval officers. • Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer: Porter is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, renowned for its advanced Aegis Combat System and multi-mission capabilities. • Commissioning: The ship was commissioned on March 20, 1999, at Port Canaveral, Florida. • 9/11 Response: In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, USS Porter was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. • Collision Incident: On August 12, 2012, Porter collided with the oil tanker M/V Otowasan in the Strait of Hormuz, causing significant bow damage. The crew's swift action prevented injuries and further damage. • Tomahawk Strike: On April 7, 2017, Porter, alongside USS Ross, launched 59 Tomahawk missiles at Syrian targets in response to chemical attacks, marking one of the most significant U.S. military actions in Syria. • Forward-Deployed to Spain: In 2015, USS Porter shifted homeport to Naval Station Rota, Spain, as part of the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed naval forces in Europe, supporting NATO’s missile defense. • Black Sea Operations: Porter has conducted numerous patrols and exercises in the Black Sea, strengthening ties with NATO Allies and partners in the region. • Exercise Sea Breeze: Porter has participated in Exercise Sea Breeze, a multinational naval exercise in the Black Sea co-hosted by the United States and Ukraine, focusing on interoperability and maritime security. • Symbolic Crest: The ship’s crest features crossed naval swords and six stars, representing the Porter family’s six Medal of Honor awards and their legacy of valor.