USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53)

USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53) is the third Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer and the first ship of the class homeported on the west coast. She is named after American Revolutionary War Naval Captain John Paul Jones. She was built at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. The ship is currently part of Destroyer Squadron 23, and administratively reports to Commander, Naval Surface Forces Pacific.

Description
John Paul Jones is capable of operating independently, as an element of a coordinated force, or as the nucleus of a surface action group, and to direct and coordinate anti-air, surface, undersea, and strike warfare operations. The ship is named in honor of Naval hero John Paul Jones and derives her motto from a famous quote of his, "I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm's way."

In order to successfully conduct this mission, John Paul Jones has been fitted with the latest weapons, engineering, and damage control systems. The Aegis combat system is one of the most advanced and most capable air defense systems currently in use. John Paul Jones is capable of conducting both offensive and defensive operations using Tomahawk and RGM-84 Harpoon cruise missiles, RIM-66 Standard missiles, CIWS, and 5 inch (127 mm) gun. The Arleigh Burke Class is the first class of U.S. warships to be fitted with an integrated Chemical, Biological and Radiological defense system.

John Paul Jones was selected as the Shock Trial platform for the DDG-51 Class. The ship was subjected to a series of close range explosions in order for the Navy to obtain critical information concerning the survivability of the DDG-51 class in a shock environment. The crew prepared the ship for the most demanding and complex surface ship shock trial test in the history of the Navy. The ship has completed four deployments to the Persian Gulf.

On 20 September 1995, an F-14A Tomcat fighter jet crashed in the vicinity of John Paul Jones. A fly-by at supersonic speed was performed, during which the engine exploded (due to "compression failure") 55 miles away from the carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). Both pilot and Weapons Systems Operator ejected and survived with only minor 2nd degree burns.

On 7 October 2001, John Paul Jones launched the first Tomahawk missiles into Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

On 13 March 2006, John Paul Jones was named, along with the amphibious assault ship Bonhomme Richard, an honorary flagship for the upcoming search for the remains of the original USS Bonhomme Richard (1765).

In June of 2010 she began a ten month yard period during which her machinery control system and many HM&E systems were upgraded. This was a first in class effort, similar to the CG-47 mid life upgrade undertaken on the Ticonderoga Hull.

On 10 June 2011, she anchored off the coast of Malibu, California at the beginning of a three day celebration called Navy Days designed to thank the sailors and their families for their service to the country.

On 29 November 2011, John Paul Jones was the first ship to deploy after receiving the DDGMOD (HM&E) upgrade. Making her in the words of Thomas Rowden the most advanced warship on the planet.

Commanding Officers
The commanding officer (CO) of the of the USS John Paul Jones (DDG-53), is the United States Navy officer who is the most senior officer on ship. The CO is the ultimate authority over operations of the John Paul Jones and her crew.

In popular culture
The ship was featured prominently in the 2012 film Battleship where she was shown to destroy three alien craft before she sank. The ship is mentioned in the last mission of Homefront as she escapes a naval blockade of San Diego to provide support to the player in the climatic final battle on the Golden Gate Bridge along with sister ship USS Milius (DDG-69).