Future USS Patrick Gallagher, last Flight IIA Arleigh Burke destroyer, reaches Norfolk

The future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer of the U.S. Navy, arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, on 13 October 2026. It was the ship’s first arrival at its home port, according to Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT).

The destroyer sailed to Norfolk from General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. SURFLANT says the arrival marks the start of the ship’s transition from construction to its operational phase, which includes testing and integration with the fleet. The Navy still calls the ship “future” USS Patrick Gallagher.

The last Flight IIA ship

The Navy describes DDG 127 as the final ship built in the Flight IIA configuration of the Arleigh Burke class. SURFLANT describes itself as made up of 60 ships and 31 shore commands.

The namesake

The destroyer is named for Marine Corps Cpl. Patrick Gallagher, an Irish-born Marine who was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism during the Vietnam War. According to the Navy, in 1966 he kicked one enemy grenade away and dove onto another to protect fellow Marines. He survived, but was killed in action a year later, days before he was due to return home.

The Navy states that DDG 127 is the first U.S. Navy warship to bear his name.

Source: Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic Public Affairs, via DVIDS, 13 October 2026.