Joint Base Charleston’s leadership attends the commissioning ceremony for the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) March 24, 2018, at the Port of Charleston, S.C. During the ceremony the ship was commissioned, manned and “brought to life”. The destroyer is named for Ralph Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient who jumped on a grenade to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Air Force Col. Jeffrey Nelson, left, 628th Air Base Wing commander, and U.S. Navy Capt. Robert Hudson, right, Naval Support Activity and Deputy Joint Base Charleston commander attend the commissioning ceremony of the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) March 24, 2018, at the Port of Charleston, S.C. During the ceremony the ship was commissioned, manned and “brought to life”. The destroyer is named for Ralph Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient who jumped on a grenade to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War.

Crew members assemble on deck of the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) during the commissioning ceremony March 24, 2018 in the Port of Charleston, S.C. The crew “man the rails” to symbolize the commissioning of the ship into the U.S. Navy fleet. The destroyer is named for Ralph Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient who jumped on a grenade to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War.

The USS Ralph Johnson’s (DDG-114) crew runs to man the ship during the commissioning ceremony March 24, 2018, at the Port of Charleston, S.C. The crew runs aboard to signify the ship “coming to life” and becoming a part of the U.S. Navy fleet. The destroyer is named for Ralph Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient who jumped on a grenade to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps, delivers remarks during the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) commissioning ceremony March 24, 2018 at the Port of Charleston, S.C. Neller has served in the USMC for 42 years. The destroyer is named for Ralph Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient who jumped on a grenade to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War.

Approximately 6,000 people from across the country gathered to watch the commissioning of the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114), March 24, 2018, in the Port of Charleston, S.C. The USS Ralph Johnson is an Arleigh Burke – Class destroyer with the roles of anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. The destroyer is named for Ralph Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient who jumped on a grenade to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War.

U.S. Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina delivers remarks during the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) commissioning ceremony March 24, 2018 at the Port of Charleston, S.C. The destroyer is named for Ralph Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient who jumped on a grenade to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War.

The USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) is docked at the Port of Charleston, S.C., in preparation for its commissioning March 24, 2018. The emblem pictured signifies the USS Ralph Johnson belongs to Destroyer Squadron 23, nicknamed “The Little Beavers.” The destroyer is named for Ralph Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient who jumped on a grenade to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War.

Senior Executive Service Official James Geurts, Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development & Acquisition, center, delivers remarks during the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) commissioning ceremony March 24, 2018 at the Port of Charleston, S.C.

The crew that will man the USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) stands in formation during the commissioning ceremony March 24, 2018, in the Port of Charleston, S.C. U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jason Patterson will assume command of the ship and her crew. The destroyer is named for Ralph Johnson, a Medal of Honor recipient who jumped on a grenade to save fellow Marines during the Vietnam War.