About

With an AN/SPY-1D phased array radar system, PAUL HAMILTON incorporates significant advances in the detection capabilities of the AEGIS Weapon System, particularly in its resistance to enemy Electronic Counter Measure (ECM).

Using SPY-1D and the ship's Mark 99 Fire Control System, PAUL HAMILTON can guide its vertically launched Standard Missiles to intercept hostile aircraft and missiles at extended ranges.

To provide point defense against hostile air targets, PAUL HAMILTON is equipped with the Block 1 upgrade to the Phalanx Close In Weapons System (CIWS). 

Length: 505 ft.

Beam: 66 ft.

Draft: 32.5 ft.

Speed: 30+ Kts.

Displacement: 8,400 tons

Accommodations: 32 Officers, 300+ Enlisted

Propulsion: 4 LM2500 Gas Turbine Engines (100,000 Shaft HP)

Construction: All Steel Hull and Super Structure for enhanced survivability

 

Born on 16 October 1762 in Saint Paul's Parish, South Carolina, Paul Hamilton was the son of Archibald and Rebecca (Brandford) Hamilton. At the young age of 16, Paul Hamilton fought under Generals Gates, Marion, and Harden during the American Revolution.

Paul Hamilton was the nation's third Secretary of the Navy, serving under President James Madison from 1809 to 1813. As Secretary of the Navy he was a strong proponent of military preparedness, especially sea fortifications.

Although he wanted to strengthen the Navy, he found the Congress hostile and the President indifferent to his ideas. One of his greatest achievements under his tenure was the passage of the Naval Hospitals Act of 1811.

In 1813 he resigned his post as Secretary of the Navy.

Prior to his appointment as Secretary, he served the state of South Carolina in a number of public offices, including State Senator, 1794, 1798-1799, Comptroller of Finance, 1800-1804, as well as Governor of South Carolina, 1804-1806.

On 10 October 1782 he married Mary Wilkinson. Paul Hamilton died on 30 June 1819 in Beaufort, South Carolina.

SHIELD

The compass rose, a traditional navigation instrument used by sailors past and present, symbolizes the purposeful direction required to accomplish any goal. The globe signifies that PAUL HAMILTON can go anywhere in the world to accomplish national objectives. The superimposed gold trident is a symbol of excellence and PAUL HAMILTON's ability to project seapower on the land, in the air and at sea. the three prongs also recall that Paul Hamilton was the third Secretary of the navy, that three ships, DD-307, DD-590 and DDG-60 have borne the name and the three groups that contribute to the strength of PAUL HAMILTON; her crew, their families and the shore establishments.

CREST

The anchor honors Paul Hamilton as Secretary of the Navy. The octagon shape alludes to all who have contributed to the AEGIS program. The palmetto tree and crescent recall Paul Hamilton's service as Governor of South Carolina. The scroll of seven stars recalls the battle stars awarded to the officers and the men of USS PAUL HAMILTON (DD-590) in World War II.

MOTTO

Courage refers to the mental and moral strength necessary to triumph in any endeavor.

COMMISSIONED: 27 MAY 1995
LOCATION: Charleston, SC


 

Namesake Information

In honor of the ship's namesake Paul Hamilton, a South Carolinian who was a Revolutionary War soldier and the 42nd governor of South Carolina, USS Paul Hamilton flies the Moultrie Flag, a Revolutionary War battle flag closely associated with South Carolina.Paul Hamilton was born in Saint Paul's Parish, South Carolina, on October 16, 1762. He left school at the age of sixteen due to financial problems. During the American War of Independence he served in military roles in the Southern United States, fighting under General Francis Marion. He participated with Colonel William Harden in the capture of Fort Balfour.

In 1809, President James Madison selected Hamilton to become the third Secretary of the Navy. His term in office included the first months of the War of 1812, during which time the small United States Navy achieved several remarkable victories over British warships. Hamilton was a proponent of military preparedness, especially sea fortifications. He was responsible for the Naval Hospitals Act of 1811. Secretary Hamilton resigned at the end of 1812 and returned to South Carolina, where he died in Beaufort on June 30, 1816.

 

Ship and Unit History

USS Paul Hamilton (DD-307) was launched 21 February 1919 by Bethlehem Shipbuilding Corporation, San Francisco; sponsored by Miss Justin McGrath; and commissioned 24 September 1920. After acceptance trials off California, Paul Hamilton was assigned to Division Thirty-three, Squadron Six, Flotilla Two of the Cruiser-Destroyer Force Pacific based at San Diego. She performed yeoman service with the Pacific Battle Fleet from 1920 until early 1930. Paul Hamilton decommissioned 20 January 1930 and was scrapped in 1931.

 

USS Paul Hamilton (DD-590), launched 7 April 1943 and commissioned 25 October 2025.

Paul Hamilton served in lower Chesapeake Bay, out of Norfolk, Va., as a destroyer training unit 8 January to 19 April 1944. She departed Norfolk 25 April and steamed via Aruba, Dutch West Indies, and the Panama Canal to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where she arrived 21 May 1944.

From 13 June to 12 August, Paul Hamilton formed part of the protective screen for the replenishment aircraft and fueling groups that serviced the 3d Fleet during the landing at Saipan 15 June. She accompanied Task Force 58 (TF 58) west during the Battle of the Philippine Sea 19 and 20 June. She departed for Manus Island, Admiralty Islands, 20 August, in company with escort carriers and fleet oilers.

From 1 September to 3 October, Paul Hamilton served as a screening vessel for the replenishment aircraft and fueling groups that serviced the 3d Fleet during the capture of the southern Palau Islands. She played a similar role for the 3d Fleet 4 October to 15 November during air strikes against Okinawa, Luzon, Formosa, the Visayan Islands, and the Japanese fleet.

She proceeded via Hollandia, New Guinea, to Leyte Gulf, Philippines, where she patrolled 7 to 11 December to protect shipping from enemy surface attacks. She screened for the amphibious assault force that landed on Mindoro Island, Philippines, 15 December, and shot down three enemy planes that day. From 27 December to 2 January 1945 she screened ships resupplying U.S. Army forces on Mindoro.

From 3 to 21 January, Paul Hamilton screened for the assault on Lingayen Gulf, Philippines. She rescued 73 survivors from Ommaney Bay (CVE-79) on the 4th.

Following replenishment at Ulithi, Western Carolines, Paul Hamilton participated in the assault on Iwo Jima. She contributed shore bombardment, fire support and pilot rescue, 10 February to 11 March. Following rescue efforts in the Volcano and Bonin Islands, she joined Task Force 54 (TF 54) to provide fire support during the Battle of Okinawa for the landings at Kerama Retto, Okinawa Jima, Tsuken Shima, Ie Shima, Iheya Shima, and Aguni Shima, during deployment 21 March to 17 June.

She departed Okinawa 17 June 1945, and proceeded via Guam, Eniwetok, and Pearl Harbor to San Diego, Calif. where she arrived 8 July for overhaul. Paul Hamilton reported to the Pacific Reserve Fleet 24 September 1945 and remained inactive until struck from the Naval Vessel Register 1 May 1968. She was sold 2 April 1970 and broken up for scrap.

Paul Hamilton received seven battle stars for World War II service.