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USS BENFOLD DDG-65 is the 15th Arleigh Burke-class Guided Missile Destroyer in the United States Navy. The USS BENFOLD keel was laid on 27 September 1993 and she joined the Pacific Fleet on 30 March 1996 when she was commissioned for duty in San Diego, CA. USS BENFOLD is currently homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. Uncompromised combat readiness is the main sail of BENFOLD’s success throughout numerous patrols inside and outside the First Island Chain. In 2021 and 2022 USS BENFOLD was presented the CTF-71 Battle Effectiveness “BATTE E” award. USS BENFOLD has supported regional security efforts, led multiple Allied exercise, and completed multiple out of area deployments. USS BENFOLD is comprised of 320 of America’s most talented, diverse, and dedicated Sailors. They represent every walk of life and serve each day with an unwavering commitment that honors the BENFOLD namesake and upholds the enduring legacy of United States Navy. BENFOLD is part of CTF-71, U.S. 7th Fleet’s principal surface force. CTF 71 is responsible for the readiness, tactical, and administrative responsibilities for forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers as well as any surface unit conducting independent operations in the region. U.S. 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, and routinely interacts and operates with allies and partners in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
 
 
   
 

Namesake

 
 
 
 

Unit Crest

 
USS Benfold Crest
 
 
“For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving in operations against enemy aggressor forces. When his company was subjected to heavy artillery and mortar barrages, followed by a determined assault during the hours of darkness by an enemy force estimated at battalion strength, HC3c. Benfold resolutely moved from position to position in the face of intense hostile fire, treating the wounded and lending words of encouragement. Leaving the protection of his sheltered position to treat the wounded when the platoon area in which he was working was attacked from both the front and rear, he moved forward to an exposed ridgeline where he observed two marines in a large crater. As he approached the two men to determine their condition, an enemy soldier threw two grenades into the crater while two other enemy charged the position. Picking up a grenade in each hand, HC3c. Benfold leaped out of the crater and hurled himself against the onrushing hostile soldiers, pushing the grenades against their chests and killing both the attackers. Mortally wounded while carrying out this heroic act, HC3c. Benfold, by his great personal valor and resolute spirit of self-sacrifice in the face of almost certain death, was directly responsible for saving the lives of his two comrades. His exceptional courage reflects the highest credit upon himself and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for others.”



 



SHIELD: Per fess wavy (in the manner of a Taeguk) Gules and Azure, a lion rampant Or charged on the shoulder with an escutcheon Argent bearing a cross throughout Gules; a bordure of the third pellety.

 

CREST: From a wreath Or and Gules a Marine Mameluke and Naval sword saltirewise points up Proper superimposed by a mullet one point down Celeste fimbriated Argent.

SUPPORTERS: On either side of the shield a halberd Proper.

MOTTO: A scroll Sable edged and inscribed “ONWARD WITH VALOR” in Gold.

SEAL: The coat of arms as blazoned in full color upon a white oval enclosed by a dark blue collar edged on the outside with a gold rope and bearing the inscription “USS BENFOLD” at top and “DDG 65” in base all in gold.


 

USS BENFOLD (DDG 65)

Yokosuka, Japan

                                  

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