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	84k 39k 166k	First photo, NH 54775-KN, John Y. Mason, Secretary of the Navy, 26 March 1844 - 10 March 1845,and 10 September 1846 - 7 March 1849. Portrait by Robert Hinckley. Courtesy of the Navy Art Collection, Washington, D.C., U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph. Second photo, extreme left, back row: ENS Newton H. Mason was killed in action against Japanese forces in the Battle of the Coral Sea, May 1942. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill and courage in battle. Destroyer escort USS Mason (DE-529) —the first Navy ship with a predominantly African-American crew— and guided missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87) were named after him. For more about this amazing photo and the people it contains go to our page for the USS Lexington (CV-2). Third photo, The USS MASON (DE-529) had the distinction of being the only U.S. Navy destroyer to be manned with a predominantly black enlisted crew. This was the first time black Americans were permitted to be trained and serve in ratings other than cooks and stewards. In late 1943, the Navy announced its plan to place an all-black crew with white officers aboard MASON. One hundred and sixty black Sailors were enrolled in all fields of operational and technical training and manned the ship at commissioning. Although known as “Eleanor’s Folly” for Eleanor Roosevelt’s introduction of the idea for an all-black crew, the MASON served with distinction during World War II. During the worst North Atlantic storm of the Century, MASON was serving as an escort to a convoy of merchant ships bound for England. During the storm, the convoy was forced the break up and MASON was chosen to escort a section of ships to their destiny. With land in sight, MASON’s deck split under the strain of heavy sea, threatening the structural integrity of the ship. Emergency repairs were conducted and MASON returned immediately to assist the remainder of the convoy. The MASON crew was recommended for commendation from their Captain, Lieutenant Commander Bill Blackford, and the Convoy Commander, Commander Alfred Lind. The commendations were never rewarded. At the end of the war MASON was assigned as a training ship operating from Miami, Florida until being decommissioned and sold for scrap in 1947. On July 26, 1947 President Truman signed Executive Order 9981, officially desegregating the Armed Forces. Through the efforts of the Mason veterans and the author Mary Pat Kelly, the MASON story has been chronicled in the book “Proudly We Served.” Their persistence in telling the MASON story paid off in 1994 when President Clinton awarded the long-overdue commendation to sixty-seven surviving crewmembers. In 1998, the Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton made official his decision to name an Arleigh Burke Class Destroyer the USS MASON (DDG-87) in order to mark the contributions of USS MASON DE 529 Sailors equality and desegregation in Today’s Navy. 150,000 African-Americans served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Text courtesy of the USS Mason (DDG-87)		Hugh Stratford, VF-3, 1941-1942 Tony Cowart/Bill Gonyo
	108k	Under construction, July 2 2000.		Chester O. Morris
	118k	Christening, Ship Sponsor is the Honorable Olimpia Snowe, U.S. Senator for the State of Maine. USS Mason (DDG-87) honors two previous ships name. The first was USS Mason (DD-191) served the US Navy from 1920-1941 and was named for John Young Mason, secretary of the Navy for President John Tyler and James K. Polk. The second US Mason (DE-529) was named for Ensign Newton Henry Mason, who enlisted as a seaman in the Naval Reserve and became an aviation cadet in 1941. Assigned to Fighting Squadron 3, he died following the Battle of the Coral Sea , May 8-9, 1942. Mason was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his skill and courage in battle. DE-529 is also known as the first U.S. navy ship to carry African-American sailors to Sea.		Steven A. Cardali
	113k	DN-SC-02-05320. During the christening ceremony for the USS MASON (DDG 87) the Ships sponsor, the Honorable Olympia J. Snowe, Senator, Maine and the Matron of Honors Kathleen Mason Bond, and Barbara B. Graham pose for a photograph. Bath, Maine June 23 2001.		Bill Gonyo
	105k	Preparations began at 0700 for the 1525 Christening of the USS Mason (DDG-87) on June 23, 2001. Photo by M.J. Sullivan.		Bill Gonyo
	79k	The launching program cover, June 23 2001.		Steven A. Cardali
	321k	The launching program inside pages, June 23 2001.		Steven A. Cardali
	84k	USS Mason is the Bath Iron Works' 21st Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and the LAST to launch from traditional inclined ways in the company's 117-year history. Future christenings will be held at the shipyards' new world class land-transfer facility. Launching date & photo June 23, 2001.		Steven A. Cardali
	64k	Scenes from the launching.		Steven A. Cardali
	105k	As above.		Steven A. Cardali
	90k	As above.		Fred Weiss
	63k	As above.		Steven A. Cardali
	101k	As above.		Steven A. Cardali
	109k	As above.		Steven A. Cardali
	60k	As above.		Steven A. Cardali
	98k	As above.		Steven A. Cardali
	68k	030404-N-0000X-567. Port Canaveral, Florida April 4 2003, on April 12, 2003 the Navy commissioned its newest guided missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87). The third ship to carry the name, Mason comes to life, like many U.S. Navy ships, with a built in and proud history. But that's in addition to the heroics and statesmanship of the two men for which the ship is named: John Young Mason, Secretary of the Navy for Presidents John Tyler and James K. Polk and Distinguished Flying Cross winner Ensign Newton Henry Mason who died in aerial combat during World War II's Battle of Coral Sea. U.S. Navy photo by Cliff Steenhoff.		Bill Gonyo
	76k	040801-N-0295M-001. Norfolk, Virginia August 1 2004, the guided missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) sits moored to a pier in her homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Mason is the 37th Aegis-class Destroyer. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Daniel J. McLain.		Bill Gonyo
	87k	NOB Norfolk, September 2004.		Wendell Royce McLaughlin Jr
	78k	In the Persian Gulf January 2 2005.		Steven A. Cardali
	126k	050102-N-1444C-013. Persian Gulf, January 2 2005, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) patrols the Northern Persian Gulf. Mason is on her first deployment to the Persian Gulf as part of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group, to support coalition efforts in the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Peter J. Carney.		Robert M. Cieri
	156k	050102-N-1444C-053. Persian Gulf, January 2 2005, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) and an SH-60B Seahawk, assigned to the "Grandmasters" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Six (HSL 46), patrol the Northern Persian Gulf. Mason is on her first deployment to the Persian Gulf as part of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group, to support coalition efforts in the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Peter J. Carney.		Robert M. Cieri
	94k	050103-N-1825E-050. Persian Gulf, January 3 2005, an SH-60B Seahawk helicopter lifts off from the guided missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) to conduct an aerial security patrol over the Central Persian Gulf. Mason is on her first deployment to the Persian Gulf as part of the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group, to support coalition efforts in the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Joseph Ebalo.		Bill Gonyo
	97k	050204-N-5345W-030. Persian Gulf, February 4 2005, Lt.j.g. Jesus Garzon, the Disbursing Officer as well as Helicopter Control Officer aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), watches from the Helicopter Control Tower as an SH-60B Seahawk, assigned to the "Grandmasters" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Six (HSL-46), lands on Mason's flight deck. Mason is conducting operations in the Persian Gulf as a part of Destroyer Squadron Two Six (DESRON 26) and the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group (CSG). The Truman CSG and CVW-3 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Kristopher Wilson.		Robert M. Cieri
	200k	050205-N-5345W-027. Persian Gulf, February 5 2005, an SH-60B Seahawk, assigned to the "Grandmasters" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light Four Six (HSL-46), flies past the fantail of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), showing a good view of her stern vertical launch system (VLS). Mason is conducting operations in the Persian Gulf as a part of Destroyer Squadron Two Six (DESRON 26) and the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group (CSG). The Truman CSG and CVW-3 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Kristopher Wilson.		Robert M. Cieri
	132k	050207-N-5345W-063. Persian Gulf, February 7 2005, Seaman Amanda Blauvelt, right, mans the helm of the guided missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) while Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Chase Boatmon watches the ship's course from the bridge. Mason is conducting operations in the Persian Gulf as a part of Destroyer Squadron Two Six (DESRON 26) and the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and CVW-3 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Kristopher Wilson.		Bill Gonyo
	185k	050207-N-5345W-036. Persian Gulf, February 7 2005, Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Robert Jackson pulls a gun swab out of the turret of the MK-45 5-in./54-cal. lightweight gun while cleaning the gun system on the forecastle aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) after an early-morning test fire. Mason is conducting operations in the Persian Gulf as a part of Destroyer Squadron Two Six (DESRON 26) and the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and CVW-3 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Kristopher Wilson.		Robert M. Cieri
	142k	050208-N-5345W-003. Persian Gulf, February 8 2005, a port quarter view of the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), as seen from a helicopter, underway in the Persian Gulf. Mason is conducting operations in the Persian Gulf as a part of Destroyer Squadron Two Six (DESRON 26) and the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group. The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group and CVW-3 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Kristopher Wilson.		Robert M. Cieri
	206k	050208-N-5345W-016. Persian Gulf, February 8 2005, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) underway in the Persian Gulf, conducting operations as a part of Destroyer Squadron Two Six (DESRON 26) and the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Carrier Strike Group (CSG). The Truman CSG and CVW-3 are on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate Airman Kristopher Wilson.		Robert M. Cieri
	118k	060219-N-7359L-001. Atlantic Ocean, February 19 2006, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) approaches the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) for a replenishment at sea (RAS). Eisenhower and Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) are underway conducting Tailored Ship's Training Availability/Final Evaluation Period. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Christopher B. Long.		Bill Gonyo
	122k	Arctic (T-AOE-8) underway in the Atlantic Ocean, 6 May 2006, with guided-missile cruiser Anzio (CG-68), and guided-missile destroyer Ramage (DDG-61) followed by guided-missile destroyer Mason (DDG-87). The ships were participating in Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike group. US Navy photo # 060506-N-0490C-004 Atlantic Ocean (May 6, 2006) by PH2 Miguel A. Contreras.		Douglas Brown
	146k	DN-SD-07-05893, 060526-N-4936C-002. Mr. Lorenzo Dufau (center), a World War Two (WW II) Signalman who served aboard the US Navy (USN) Destroyer, USS MASON (DE-529) poses for a group photograph with USN Sailors from the present day USN Arleigh Burke Class (Flight IIA): Destroyer (Aegis), USS MASON (DDG 87), in New York City during Fleet Week New York 2006 activities. Mr. Dufau is holding a DVD copy of the move 'Proud,' which is base on the WWII experiences of the USS MASON (DE-529), which was the first Naval ship predominantly manned by black crewmembers. Fleet Week includes dozens of military demonstrations and displays throughout the week, as well as public visitation to many of the participating ships. New York photo by JO2 David Coleman, May 26 2006.		Bill Gonyo
	104k	060526-N-4936C-005. New York City, 26 May 2006, Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Ariene Enriquez, (right) and Engineman 1st Class John Manley (both assigned to the Ramage), patrol the waters around pier 88 in New York City during Fleet Week New York 2006. Shown nested at pier 88 are USS Mason (DDG 87) and outboard of her USS Ramage (DDG 61). U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 2nd Class David P. Coleman.		Robert M. Cieri
	107k	DN-SD-07-09536, 060802-N-6827R-119. August 2, 2006, onboard the US Navy (USN) Arleigh Burke Class (Flight IIA) Guided Missile Destroyer (Aegis) USS MASON (DDG 87), USN Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Joe R. Campa Jr. speaks to a group of Petty Officer 1st Class Sailor about the responsibilities of our future Chief Petty Officers, while in port at Naval Station (NS) Norfolk, Virginia (VA). MCPON Campa visited NS Norfolk to talk to the Sailors in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Scott C. Rancilio.		Bill Gonyo
	202k	061125-N-5972H-103. Arabian Gulf, November 25 2006, sailors have chow with Secretary of the Navy, the honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) while underway. Dr. Winter visited Mason during its deployment to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility and wished the Sailors happy holidays and thanked them for their hard work and dedication. Mason is currently working alongside coalition partners conducting maritime security operations. U.S. Navy photo by Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Richard Hankins.		Robert M. Cieri
	103k	070523-N-3567L-025. Norfolk, May 23 2007, sailors assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) return to Naval Station Norfolk after the longest deployment by a carrier strike group since 2003. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) deployed Oct. 3, 2006 to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility to support ongoing operations including efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Maritime Operations in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nathan Lockwood.		Bill Gonyo
	198k	070523-N-3567L-056. Norfolk, May 23 2007, family and friends wave to Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87), as she returns to Naval Station Norfolk after the longest deployment by a carrier strike group since 2003. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (IKE CSG) deployed Oct. 3, 2006 to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nathan Lockwood.		Robert M. Cieri
	146k	070523-N-7653W-079. Naval Station Norfolk, May 23 2007, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) is eased to the pier, as she returns to her homeport after the longest deployment by a carrier strike group since 2003. The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group deployed on Oct. 3, 2006 to the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Justan Williams.		Robert M. Cieri
	98k	080328-N-2838C-018. Atlantic Ocean, March 28 2008, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) steams off the coast of Florida. Mason is conducting group sail operations. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael D. Cole.		Robert M. Cieri
	176k	080729-N-3392P-025. Atlantic Ocean, July 29 2008, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) steams through the Atlantic Ocean. Mason is participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 as part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker.		Robert M. Cieri
	138k	080729-N-3392P-087. Atlantic Ocean, July 29 2008, sailors aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) observe the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) approach the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Leroy Grumman (T-AO 195). Mason & Carter Hall are participating in Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 08-4 as a part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Katrina Parker.		Robert M. Cieri
	122k	080912-N-1688B-044. Norfolk, Va., September 12 2008, the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) is escorted by tug boats while pulling away from the pier for a scheduled deployment. Mason is part of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew Bookwalter.		Robert M. Cieri
	158k	090125-N-3931M-146. Indian Ocean, January 25 2009, Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Adam Gayner mans a 25MM chain gun aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) while monitoring a small boat transiting from the merchant vessel MV Faina. Faina and her crew are being held by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Mason is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick.		Bill Gonyo
	185k	090125-N-3931M-124. Indian Ocean, January 25 2009, Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Adam Gayner mans a 25MM chain gun aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) while monitoring a small boat transiting from the merchant vessel MV Faina. Faina and her crew are being held by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Mason is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick.		Robert M. Cieri
	183k	090125-N-3931M-160. Indian Ocean, January 25 2009, Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Adam Gayner mans a 25MM chain gun aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) while monitoring a small boat transiting from the merchant vessel MV Faina. Faina and her crew are being held by pirates off the coast of Somalia. Mason is conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael R. McCormick.		Robert M. Cieri
	26k	Ship's patch.		Mike Smolinski
	42k	Ship's patch.		Mike Smolinski

CDR David John Gale    Apr 12 2003 - May 21 2004
CDR Eugene Henry Black III    May 21 2004 - Jan 13 2006
CDR John Vincent Fuller    Jan 13 2006 - Aug 31 2007
CDR Robert E. Clark    Aug 31 2007 - present