USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123)

USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE is one of the ARLEIGH BURKE Flight IIA guided missile destroyers and the second ship in the Navy named after Chief Nurse Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee.

General Characteristics:	Awarded: June 3, 2013
	Keel laid: November 14, 2017
	Launched: January 27, 2020
	Commissioned: May 13, 2023
	Builder: Northrop Grumman Ship Systems' Ingalls Operations, Pascagoula, Miss.
	Propulsion system: four General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine engines
	Propellers: two
	Length: 508,5 feet (155 meters)
	Beam: 67 feet (20.4 meters)
	Draft: 30.5 feet (9.3 meters)
	Displacement: approx. 9,200 tons full load
	Speed: 32 knots
	Aircraft: two SH-60 (LAMPS 3) helicopters
	Armament: one Mk-45 5"/62 caliber lightweight gun, two Mk-41 VLS for Standard missiles and Tomahawk ASM/LAM, one 20mm Phalanx CIWS, two Mk-32 triple torpedo tubes for Mk-50 and Mk-46 torpedoes, two Mk 38 Mod 2 25mm machine gun systems
	Homeport: San Diego, Calif.
	Crew: approx. 320

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Crew List:

This section contains the names of sailors who served aboard USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE. It is no official listing but contains the names of sailors who submitted their information.

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About the Ship's Name:

Lenah S. Higbee, the first woman to receive the Navy Cross while still living, was born 18 May 1874 in Chatham, New Brunswick, Canada. After completing nurses' training at New York Postgraduate Hospital in 1899 and further training at Fordham Hospital, she engaged in private practice until entering the US Navy Nurse Corps 1 October 1908. Widow of the late Lieutenant Colonel John Henley Higbee, USMC, Mrs. Higbee became Chief Nurse 14 April 1909 and second commandant of the Nurse Corps 20 January 1911. For her World War I service she received the Navy Cross 11 November 1920. Mrs. Higbee retired from the Nurse Corps 30 November 1922 and died 10 January 1941 at Winter Park, Fla. She is buried beside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery.

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About the Ship's Coat of Arms:

The Shield:

Navy blue and white signify the deep and vast ocean, while red and gold symbolize honor and success. The circular-checkered pattern refers to the Aegis Combat System, a powerful computer and radar technology created to track and guide weapons to destroy enemy targets. The polestar suggests guidance and achievement, while the lozenge is a heraldic symbol signifying women and their dedicated service to the Navy.

The Crest:

The wreath adapts the colors of the Navy and the ocean waves the ship sails upon. The bow and arrow belong to the Greek goddess Artemis, paying homage to the USS HIGBEE (DD 806). The arrow is drawn and aimed at its target, ready to launch. The eight battle stars refer to the USS HIGBEE's service in World War II and the Korean War. On each side of the bow is a Roman numeral "X", paying tribute to the "Sacred 20" - the first group of women to join the U.S. Navy Nurse Corps. The radiant star on the arrowhead further honors Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, a pioneering military nurse of the early 1900s.

The Supporters:

Artemis and Athena are female warriors, standing in unison to uplift the shield and the mission of the crew members and ship. Together, they represent the old and new age of naval technology, and their diverse appearance signifies the inclusion and equality of all. Artemis honors Lenah Higbee by wearing an oak leaf, referring to the Navy Nurse Corps. She readies herself by drawing an arrow, paying homage to DD 806 as the highest scoring ship in naval surface fire support during its commissioned service in 1976. Athena arms herself with the Aegis and holds a spear to attack her enemies. Both goddesses are decorated with silver and gold, tying in to the officers and enlisted sailors who wear their insignia with unity and pride.

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USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE Image Gallery:

The photo below was taken by Michael Jenning and shows the LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE under construction at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems' Ingalls Operations, Pascagoula, Miss., on October 17, 2019.

The photo below was taken by Hinrich N. and shows PCU LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE preparing for commissioning at Key West, Fla, on May 7, 2023.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., on October 3, 2023.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE undergoing a four-month Post Shakedown Availability (PSA) at BAE Systems San Diego, Calif., on November 12, 2023.

The photos below were taken by Michael Jenning and show USS LENAH SUTCLIFFE HIGBEE at Naval Base San Diego, Calif., on October 15, 2024.

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