U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King and Representatives Chellie Pingree and Bruce Poliquin will attend and deliver remarks at the christening of Bath Iron Works’ ship DDG 116 on Saturday, April 1. After the christening and once commissioned, the DDG 116 will officially be named the USS Thomas Hudner after Medal of Honor recipient retired Navy Captain Thomas J. Hudner, Jr., who will also attend the ceremony. 

Hudner was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman on April 13, 1951 for displaying uncommon valor during an attack on his fellow airman, the first African American naval aviator, Ensign Jesse L. Brown.

During the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War, anti-aircraft fire hit Brown's aircraft, causing him to crash. After it became clear that Brown was seriously injured and unable to free himself, Hudner proceeded to purposefully crash his own aircraft to join Brown and provide aid.

Hudner injured his own back during his crash landing, but he stayed with Brown until a rescue helicopter arrived. Hudner and the rescue pilot worked in the sub-zero, snow-laden area in an unsuccessful attempt to free Brown from the smoking wreckage. 

The Hudner, a 510-foot long and approximately 9,200 ton ship, is the 66th ship of the Arleigh Burke class destroyers built for the U.S. Navy.