USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) Hosts USS Robert H. McCard Alumni Association for Warship Tour
NAVAL STATION NORFOLK, Va. (Sept. 18, 2026) — The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) hosted members of the USS Robert H. McCard Alumni Association for a warship tour today, allowing the veterans to interact with Sailors and observe modern surface fleet capabilities.
During the shipboard visit, Williams Sailors conducted a walkthrough of the ship's hangar bay, demonstrated the mechanics of the Mark 45 5-inch gun, and discussed the daily realities of modern shipboard life. The tour provided a direct, face-to-face opportunity to strengthen the connection between active-duty personnel and veterans who operated in a vastly different technological era.
“For many of us, it’s new Navy, old Navy,” said Monny Hanna, CEO of the USS Robert H. McCard Alumni Association. “To see the contrast between where the Navy was and where it is today, with its sailors, its fleet, its ships and things like that, it’s just an eye-opening experience for many of our guests that attend our reunions and visit with the ships.”
While the McCard veterans once stood watch on a steam-powered destroyer, the crew of the Williams demonstrated how today’s surface warriors command gas-turbine engines, the Aegis Combat System, and the Mark 41 Vertical Launching System to defend the fleet.
“I just like meeting new people,” said Ensign Matthew Raiche. “I like to see the faces of people who have served in the past, hear their stories, learn what they served on and what the life of the Navy was like for them.”
By opening its brow to the alumni association, the Williams reinforced the timeless maritime bond that unites all generations of surface warriors, deepening the crew’s pride in their heritage while providing the visitors with an up-close look at the modern fleet.
“What is so great about this interaction with the guys is seeing their spirit and their support to the Navy as we did when we did our service time,” said Hanna. “It’s good to see that interaction and that they want to have with us, to allow us to come aboard and do the tours.” “I think it allows us to interact more on a more personal level, to kind of foster a relationship and garner rapport with one another, which makes it easier for us to relate to each other,” said Raiche.
“We so appreciate the camaraderie that they give when they bring us on board and let us tour the ship,” said Hanna.
The McCard, commissioned in 1945, carried the legacy of Marine Corps Gunnery Sgt. Robert H. McCard, who posthumously received the Medal of Honor during the Battle of Saipan. Following 35 years of distinguished service spanning the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Vietnam War, the Navy decommissioned the destroyer in 1980 and transferred her to the Turkish Navy, where she served as TCG Kılıç Ali Paşa (D-349) until her final retirement in 1998. Hanna noted that the alumni association plans reunions and tours around the country to see how the sea service has changed since their time on active duty.
USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer designed to provide advanced defensive and offensive capabilities as part of the Navy’s surface force.
Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT) mans, trains and equips assigned surface forces and shore activities, ensuring a capable force for conducting prompt and sustained operations in support of United States national interests. The SURFLANT force is composed of over 60 ships and 30 shore commands.
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