Media Advisory – USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) Set for Key West Commissioning Ceremony

by Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs

09 May 2023 The future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) will be commissioned, Saturday, May 13 at 10:00 a.m. EST at the Port of Key West, Florida.

Those interested in viewing the ceremony live may do so here, www.dvidshub.net/webcast/31425. Media are encouraged to use this public domain, livestream footage in their coverage.

A media availability will be held Thursday, May 11, at 10:00 a.m. EST. Those available to interview include Commanding Officer Cmdr. Douglas Brayton and Command Master Chief, CMDCM Kristi Pashkevich.

There may be a very limited opportunity for live shots the morning of the ceremony based on available space on the pier. Please include your potential coverage and airing details in your RSVP if you are interested. Please understand, no guarantees or offers can be made at this time.

Media interested in participating in either or both events, please RSVP no later than Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. (EST) by replying to all on this email or to Julie Ann Ripley, at julie.a.ripley.civ@us.navy.mil, 619-940-8247. Please provide the media member's name, name of the organization, email and cell phone number, and which event they plan to attend.

Registered media will receive a confirmation email with participation instructions the day prior to the event, and will need to present media credentials during check-in. Please ensure you bring the documentation with you.

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Built by Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee was launched January 27, 2020, and delivered to the U.S. Navy Nov. 30, 2022. The ship will be commissioned in Key West, FL on May 13, 2023, and then transit to her homeport at Naval Base San Diego, California.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet. These highly capable, multi-mission ships conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence to national security providing a wide range of warfighting capabilities in multi-threat air, surface and subsurface.

NOTE TO EDITORS AND REPORTERS: Please recognize that per the FAA, there will be a NO DRONE ZONE within 3,000 feet laterally and 1,000 feet above any US Navy vessel operating, transiting, or at port within the territorial waters and/or navigable waters of the US.