USS JASON DUNHAM (DDG 109)
Commissioning Events

Arriving at Port Everglades

Photo © Minerva Bloom from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Testing Facility*

Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Friday, November 5, 2010.

10:30 am: on a crisp, cool morning the USS Jason Dunham enters the channel that leads to Port Everglades. The Navy's newest and most advanced, guided missile destroyer arrived at Port Everglades for its commissioning on November 13, 2010. More than 3,000 people attended the ceremony for the 510-foot long vessel, which was part of 10 days of South Florida events for the crew. The ship is named after Corporal Jason L. Dunham USMC, born in Scio, New York on November 10, 1981.

On April 14, 2004, Corporal Dunham was manning a checkpoint in Karabilah, Iraq, when an insurgent leapt from his car and began choking Corporal Dunham. A scuffle ensued as two Marines approached to help. Reportedly, the last words from Corporal Dunham were, "No, No. Watch his hand." Suddenly, the insurgent dropped a grenade. Corporal Dunham took off his Kevlar helmet, dropped to the ground, and covered the explosive as best he could. The blast seriously wounded all 3 Marines. Eight days later, Corporal Jason L. Dunham died at Bethesda Naval Hospital from wounds he received in the incident. He was 22 years old. Corporal Dunham made the ultimate sacrifice, and in doing so saved the lives of his fellow Marines. Due to his actions on that fateful day, he has been posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor:

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Click image to visit USS Jason Dunham Website

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Photo Galleries

* The Naval Air Station Fort Lauderdale Historical Association thanks Site Director Garbini for allowing us to photograph the USS Jason Dunham, from a vantage point, before the ship arrived into the Port. Photos taken from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Testing Facility.

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USS Jason Dunham - Reception at the Mai Kai:

Welcoming Dinner,Tuesday November 9:
Thank you to the Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant for putting on a great feast and wonderful show for the crew of the USS Jason Dunham!
​It was also the 85th Birthday of NASFL Museum's founder Allan McElhiney! Happy Birthday Allan!

Mai Kai Performers. Photo © Minerva Bloom

Some of the crew and members of the Commissioning Committee of the USS Jason Dunham.
Also Mr. Allan McElhiney with friends and family celebrating his birthday. Photos © Minerva Bloom 

A Postcard from the Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant

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Pier 66 Dual Celebration:

Wednesday November 10:
Dual Birthday Celebration Honors Jason Dunham Namesake and the Marine Corps.
The Pier 66 dinner celebrated the birthday of the ship's namesake, Cpl. Jason Dunham, and the Marine Corps 235th birthday. Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler spoke at the event where officially named November 10, as a day of remembrance for Dunham. Dunham's parents were present and Mrs. Dunham spoke at the event.

A view of Fort Lauderdale at sunset from atop the top floor at Pier 66. Photos © Minerva Bloom

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Party aboard the USS Jason Dunham:

The ship before the day of its commissioning, docked at Port Everglades. Photos © Minerva Bloom

​Thursday, November 11,
Great party! Great food and drinks and especially tours of the ship by the crew-members. We were not allowed to take photographs of the main quarters, but here are some happy faces and images of the ship docked at night. Some very emotional speeches were delivered this night.

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Allure of the Seas Celebration Party:

Friday, November 12:
The crew and officers of the USS Jason Dunham along with their families and members of the Commissioning attended a luxurious party aboard Royal Caribbean's MS Allure of the Seas cruiseship (sister ship to the MS Oasis of the Seas). The Allure is the world's largest passenger ship. It is only 2 inches larger than the Oasis of the Seas.

The MS Allure of the Seas at Port Everglades. Photos © Minerva Bloom

MS Allure of the Seas at Port Everglades with a view of Fort Lauderdale's skyline. Photos © Minerva Bloom

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Goodbyes: USS Jason Dunham

After a week-long celebration, the crew and their families gathered at Port Everglades to say their goodbyes, as the USS Jason Dunham slowly made its way through the canals and then to sea.

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The USS Jason Dunham leaving Port Everglades on its first official voyage. Photos © Minerva Bloom

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