The U.S.S. Mahan was built at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine, and commissioned on February 14, 1998 by the United States Navy in Tampa, Florida. It was the 22nd Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer to be commissioned, and was the first Flight II Variant. The ship is capable of operating both independently and as part of a Strike Group. Designed for stealth and equipped with the latest stealth and weaponry technology, the U.S.S. Mahan can combat air, surface, and subsurface threats. Four gas turbine engines can propel the ship at over 30 knots. A crew of 35 officers and 279 enlisted sailors operate the U.S.S. Mahan.
On February 19, 2000, the ship left its home port of Norfolk, Virginia, for its first deployment to the Mediterranean as a member of the U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower Battle Group. The U.S.S. Mahan would go on to be deployed to the Mediterranean many times.
In 2006 the U.S.S. Mahan was awarded the Battle Efficiency Award. This award is given every year to a small number of ships in the United States Navy, and is awarded for demonstrating superior battle readiness.
The U.S.S. Mahan (DDG 72) was the 4th ship to be named for Alfred Thayer Mahan, known as the father of the modern Navy. Rear Admiral Mahan graduated from the Naval Academy in 1859. During the Civil War, he served with the South Atlantic and Western Gulf Blockading Squadrons. Mahan is credited with convincing Congress to rebuild the deteriorating U.S. Navy at the end of the 19th century.
As in previous years, tours of the vessel will be available during festival week. Tours are currently scheduled for Thursday, August 3 and Friday, August 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. These dates and times are subject to change. Crew members of the U.S.S. Oak Hill will also escort the Sea Princesses on the Main Stage for the Maine Sea Goddess Coronation.
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