POTD: USS Thomas Hudner Lets The Machine Guns Go
Big ships, big guns as USS Thomas Hudner lets the machine guns go in our Photo Of The Day. In this series of images, we’re looking at the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer as it conducts a test of its weapons in the Atlantic Ocean, on March 4, 2023. At the time, Thomas Hudner was underway as part of the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group in the Atlantic Ocean executing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX), in an intense, multi-week exercise.
Here’s a closer look at the Mark 38 25 mm machine gun system.
I think there’s a Phalanx CIWS around the corner.
And the workhorse, .50 caliber machine guns.
The ship is named in honor of Captain Thomas J. Hudner Jr., a naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient. Thomas Hudner was the first U.S. Navy officer to receive this prestigious award for actions during the Korean War.
The ship was constructed by Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, and was commissioned on December 1, 2018. The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are known for their multi-mission capabilities and advanced technology, making them one of the most versatile ships in the U.S. Navy’s fleet.
Images source: U.S. Navy, photo by Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Kerri Kline.
Ex-Arctic Ranger. Competitive practical shooter and hunter with a European focus. Always ready to increase my collection of modern semi-automatics, optics, thermals and suppressors. TCCC Certified. Occasionaly seen in a 6x6 Bug Out Vehicle, always with a big smile.
More by Eric B
Comments
Join the conversation
Imagine... all it takes to make that ship functionally immune to a remote controlled kayak full of PBX is that one sailor behind the M2 having a 2000 lumen flashlight with a wide beam setting.
The Hudner is now in the Persian Gulf, so those weapons may see some use.