Senator Sam Nunn, DDG 133 namesake, a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, will be in attendance and honored at the ship’s keel authentication ceremony on Friday, November 22. This milestone marks the first significant step in the ship’s construction.
The future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) stands as a tribute to the legacy of one of the most influential figures in U.S. national security. Nunn, a Georgia native, served in the U.S. Senate for 25 years, including as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee. His leadership was pivotal in shaping U.S. defense policy, and his groundbreaking work in nuclear disarmament helped reduce the global threat of weapons of mass destruction. As co-founder of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), he played a key role in deactivating over 7,600 nuclear warheads in Russia and former Soviet states, ensuring a safer world for future generations.
The ship also honors the continuing impact of the Nunn family, with the senator’s daughter Michelle Nunn serving as the ship sponsor. As president and CEO of the nonprofit CARE, Michelle has transformed the organization into a global force for good, reaching millions in over 100 countries and leading the charge to fight poverty and promote social justice. Her appointment as sponsor ties her family’s legacy of service to the future of the U.S. Navy, inspiring a new generation of defenders committed to protecting our world.
This ceremony is more than just a milestone in naval construction — it’s a celebration of a legacy that spans decades, marked by courage, dedication and a commitment to making the world a safer place. The USS Sam Nunn will carry that legacy forward, serving as a powerful symbol of national security and global responsibility.