BATH, Maine — The ultimate sacrifice of a Mexican immigrant who came to the United States as a boy and later joined the Marines was recognized Saturday morning, when more than 3,000 people turned out for the christening of the Navy’s newest destroyer.
The USS Rafael Peralta was christened at Bath Iron Works. The 509-foot Arleigh Burke class guided missile destroyer was scheduled to be launched in the Kennebec River Sunday.
Rosa Peralta, Sgt. Rafael Peralta’s mother, christened the ship that bears the name of her son who died in November 2004 during the second battle of Fallujah. Speakers at the Saturday ceremony pointed out that in Peralta’s bedroom in the family home he hung three things: a copy of the U.S. Constitution, a copy of the Bill of Rights and his Marine boot camp graduation certificate.
Peralta, 25, of San Diego was killed while he and other Marines were clearing houses of insurgents. As the insurgents fled, one tossed a grenade that landed next to Peralta, who reached out and pulled the grenade to his body. He absorbed the blast, shielding his fellow Marines who were only feet away.
His brother, Ricardo Peralta, spoke about a letter Rafael wrote to him days before he died. In that letter, his brother said how proud he was to be a U.S. citizen and a Marine.
Among the speakers was Maine’s senior U.S. Sen. Susan Collins.
“Navy ships sail the globe and, where necessary, sail into battle. They demonstrate the strength of American power and resolve. It is fitting, therefore, that our ships bear the names of individuals who have displayed uncommon valor, notable commitment, unwavering sacrifice and extraordinary service in support of these missions,” Collins said.
U.S. Sen. Angus King said the best way to preserve the peace is through strength. He said ships such as those built at Bath Iron Works help make that possible.
“The best way to preserve peace is by deterring war through unassailable strength,” King said. “The men and women who built this ship and the men and women who will man it are doing the work of civilization, and that is the ultimate honor and recognition to Rafael Peralta — that his name will be born on a mighty instrument of peace for our country and the world.”
The new destroyer, which cost an estimated $1.5 billion, will be homeported in San Diego, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics, said BIW is working to stay competitive in an industry that is seeing the Navy order fewer ships and expecting them at more affordable prices. He said BIW is taking the steps needed to meet those challenges.
BIW employs more than 6,000 people. Harris said he expects to hire 500 skilled workers next year. He said new workers are needed to replace the 200 experienced workers who retire each year.
Sean Stackley, assistant secretary of the Navy for research, development and acquisition, said the newest destroyer was 9,200 tons of American sea power.
“It is the envy of navies around the world,” Stackley said. “There is no greater symbol of diplomacy and American will.”
The ship will carry a crew of 279.
BIW stated that 3,500 tons of steel, 255 miles of electrical cable, 33 miles of pipes, 200 tons of welding rod, 3,000 light fixtures and 70,000 gallons of paint went into building the Peralta.