USS Halyburton (FFG-40)

USS Halyburton (FFG-40), an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is a ship of the United States Navy named for Pharmacist's Mate Second Class William D. Halyburton, Jr. (1924–1945). Halyburton was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism while serving with the 5th Marines, during the Battle of Okinawa.

Construction
Halyburton was laid down on 26 September 1980 by the Todd Pacific Shipyards Co., Seattle Division, Seattle, Wash.; launched on 13 October 1981; and commissioned on 7 January 1984.

Operations
Over its commissioned service, Halyburton earned numerous Battle 'E' awards for combat readiness. Halyburton was also one of the escorts for the USS Constitution on 21 July 1997 as "Old Ironsides" celebrated her 200th birthday and her first unassisted sail in 116 years.

As of 2008, Halyburton is homeported at NS Mayport, Florida, and is part of Destroyer Squadron 14.

Maersk Alabama Incident
In April 2009 the Halyburton was part of a U.S. Navy rescue mission off the Horn of Africa where the captain of the U.S.-flagged merchant vessel Maersk Alabama was held captive by pirates in a lifeboat. U.S. Navy SEALs brought the standoff to an end by shooting and killing three of the four pirates. The fourth was on board the USS Bainbridge at the time of the shooting, negotiating the hostage's release, and was taken into custody.

Constable's Dues ritual
On 16 July 2009, Halyburton visited the Port of London, mooring in South Dock, West India Quay for three nights. On Saturday 18th, she became the first non-British ship to take part in the Tower of London's Constable's Dues ritual. Dating back to the 14th century, it involved the crew being challenged for entry into the British capital, mirroring an ancient custom in which a ship had to unload some of its cargo for the sovereign to enter the city. Commander Michael P Huck and Ship's Officer LCDR Tony Mortimer led the crew to the Tower's West Gate, where after being challenged for entry by the Yeoman Gaoler armed with his axe, they were marched to Tower Green accompanied by Beefeaters, where they delivered a keg of Castillo Silver Rum, representing the dues, to the Tower's Constable, Sir Roger Wheeler.

Commander Huck said: "Halyburton and her crew are honoured to be invited to take part in a tradition with such rich history. It is an excellent opportunity for my crew to not only enjoy London culture, but to be an active part of it."

He admitted neither the cask nor the rum was actually cargo from the ship.

"The wine cask has been provided to us by the Tower authorities," he said. "It will actually be filled with Castillo Silver Rum. Unfortunately, since we do not typically carry alcohol on-board, that was also provided to us."