USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. Set for Commissioning
NORFOLK, Va. — The future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) is poised for its official commissioning at Naval Station Norfolk this Saturday. This significant event not only marks the ship’s entry into the fleet but also honors the legacy of Medal of Honor recipient and retired Marine Corps Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr. Chief Petty Officer Courtney Dion, Barnum’s niece, serves aboard the ship, embodying her family’s proud military heritage.
Legacy and Service Intertwined
Before embarking on her military journey 16 years ago, Chief Petty Officer Courtney Dion sought guidance from her uncle, Harvey C. Barnum Jr. Known affectionately as “Uncle Barney,” Barnum advised her to “keep your head down and don’t make a fuss out of anything.” Following this advice, Dion completed boot camp without revealing her connection to the war hero. Now, she proudly serves on the ship named in his honor, contributing to its mission and readiness.
“To be able to contribute to the mission and the readiness is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and to be a representative of his legacy is one of the best things,” said Dion, who serves as a hospital corpsman. The commissioning ceremony will be attended by Barnum himself, a rare honor for a living namesake. “Having a living namesake with us throughout this entire process, from new construction to joining the fleet, it’s just been a great, great exceptional opportunity,” remarked Cmdr. Benjamin Cantu, the ship’s commanding officer.
The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. is the first ship to bear Barnum’s name, recognizing his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. On December 18, 1965, he bravely navigated enemy fire to lead attacks against entrenched fighters and coordinated the evacuation of casualties. “When the ship got named after him, he was speechless,” Dion recalled. “Every day, he lives in awe knowing that this is something that he’s done.”
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Celebrating a Family Tradition
As the senior medical department representative aboard the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr., Dion is responsible for the health and well-being of the crew. Her exemplary service earned her the title of U.S. Fleet Forces Command Sailor of the Year in 2024, a recognition of her leadership and commitment. “His (Barnum’s) devotion to duty has definitely influenced me to join the military,” Dion stated, highlighting the impact of her uncle’s legacy on her career choice.
Excitement is palpable among Dion’s family as they prepare to witness the long-awaited commissioning of the ship, an event they have anticipated since 2016. “I have this overwhelming excitement for the crew,” Dion expressed. “Knowing all the sacrifices and everything that we’ve gone through to get the ship to where it is now, and my family ties with that as well, is overwhelming. I’m just very proud.”
