kitty
09-23-2004, 06:45 AM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 21, 2004
CONTACT: Anh Phan (202) 223-5500
The Organization of Chinese Americans celebrates the commissioning of
NAVY SHIP NAMED AFTER ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN WAR HERO
On September 18, 2004, the United States Navy commissioned the USS Chung-Hoon, a 15th Flight IIA Arleigh Burke Class Aegis guided missile destroyer at the Pearl Harbor Naval Station in Honolulu, Hawai’i. U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye spoke at the ceremony.
The destroyer is named after Rear Admiral Gordon Pai’a Chung-Hoon, a World War II hero who was awarded a Silver Star and Navy Cross for his “conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism” in battle. Chung earned his medals for his actions as commanding officer of the USS Sigsbee.
“Admiral Chung-Hoon was a man I would have loved to have known,” said Raymond Wong, OCA National President. “After hearing his amazing story, I am happy to know that the US Navy has seen fit to name a ship after this American hero and role model in the Asian Pacific American community.”
“This is a great occasion for the Asian Pacific American community,” said Christine Chen, OCA Executive Director. “Having a battleship named after you is no small feat. We at OCA are pleased that the actions of this extraordinary Asian Pacific American veteran are being recognized and we extend our warmest wishes to Admiral Chung-Hoon’s family.”
USS Sigsbee assisted in the destruction of 20 enemy planes while part of a battle fleet off the Japanese island of Kyushu in the spring of 1945. When a kamikaze crashed into Sigsbee, then-Commander Chung-Hoon “valiantly kept his antiaircraft batteries delivering "prolonged and effective fire" against the continuing enemy air attack while simultaneously directing the damage control efforts that allowed Sigsbee to make port under her own power.” Chung Hoon retired from the Navy in 1959 and died in 1979.
The keel for the USS Chung-Hoon was laid in 2002 and the destroyer completed last year at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi. The USS Chung Hoon’s homeport is Pearl Harbor Hawai’i.
September 21, 2004
CONTACT: Anh Phan (202) 223-5500
The Organization of Chinese Americans celebrates the commissioning of
NAVY SHIP NAMED AFTER ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN WAR HERO
On September 18, 2004, the United States Navy commissioned the USS Chung-Hoon, a 15th Flight IIA Arleigh Burke Class Aegis guided missile destroyer at the Pearl Harbor Naval Station in Honolulu, Hawai’i. U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye spoke at the ceremony.
The destroyer is named after Rear Admiral Gordon Pai’a Chung-Hoon, a World War II hero who was awarded a Silver Star and Navy Cross for his “conspicuous gallantry and extraordinary heroism” in battle. Chung earned his medals for his actions as commanding officer of the USS Sigsbee.
“Admiral Chung-Hoon was a man I would have loved to have known,” said Raymond Wong, OCA National President. “After hearing his amazing story, I am happy to know that the US Navy has seen fit to name a ship after this American hero and role model in the Asian Pacific American community.”
“This is a great occasion for the Asian Pacific American community,” said Christine Chen, OCA Executive Director. “Having a battleship named after you is no small feat. We at OCA are pleased that the actions of this extraordinary Asian Pacific American veteran are being recognized and we extend our warmest wishes to Admiral Chung-Hoon’s family.”
USS Sigsbee assisted in the destruction of 20 enemy planes while part of a battle fleet off the Japanese island of Kyushu in the spring of 1945. When a kamikaze crashed into Sigsbee, then-Commander Chung-Hoon “valiantly kept his antiaircraft batteries delivering "prolonged and effective fire" against the continuing enemy air attack while simultaneously directing the damage control efforts that allowed Sigsbee to make port under her own power.” Chung Hoon retired from the Navy in 1959 and died in 1979.
The keel for the USS Chung-Hoon was laid in 2002 and the destroyer completed last year at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi. The USS Chung Hoon’s homeport is Pearl Harbor Hawai’i.