Click On Image For Full Size Image	Size	Image Description		Contributed By
	12k	Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, born at Palmyra, New York , February 9, 1840. Appointed to the United States Naval Academy September 24, 1857, and graduated at the head of his class in 1861. He subsequently earned an LLD degree from Harvard in 1899. He was promoted to Master, 1861 and commissioned as a Lieutenant July 16, 1862. He was Executive Officer on the ironclad USS Patapsco when it was blown up by mine in Charleston harbor. He was blown into water, but then rescued. Advanced to Lieutenant Commander, July 25, 1866, Commander, August 9, 1874, Captain, March 1889. He was Superintendent of the Naval Academy, 1886-90. An expert on ordnance, torpedoes, etc. With Lieutenant Joseph Strauss, he devised-perfected superimposed turrets introduced into the Navy in February 1898. He was President, Board of Inquiry as to cause of the destruction of the USS Maine in Havana Harbor, February 15, 1898, and after a declaration of war with Spain he commanded the North Atlantic Squadron with the rank of acting Rear Admiral. Promoted to Commodore, 1898, Rear Admiral, 1899. During the Spanish-American his command numbered 125 vessels, the strongest ever organized for hostile purposes. His fleet captured many Spanish merchant vessels and blockade runners and finally defeated the Spanish fleet under Admiral Cevera. Appointed, September 1898, one of three commanders to Cuba. Resumed command of North Atlantic fleet, December 1898. Commandant, Boston USN Yard, Oct 14, 1899. In 1865-67 he served on the USS Colorado in European Squadron, advancing to Lieutenant Commander, July 1866. Again at USNA 1868-71, and, after service on the USS Congress in 1872 and European station in 1873 and promotion to Commander in August 1874, he returned for third tour, 1874-78, as head of Physics Department. 1879-82 he commanded USS Swatara in the Asiatic Squadron, after 2 years as Assistant Superintendent of the Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, during which time was delegate to International Prime Meridian Conference, October 1884, he commanded the Naval torpedo station at Newport from 1884 to 1886. September 1886 named Superintendent of the Naval Academy. Promoted to Captain in March 1889, he left the Academy in 1890 to command the USS San Francisco. 1893-97 he was Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance, where under his leadership much progress was made in such matters as introduction of smokeless powder and improvement of gunnery training. June 1897 given command of new battleship Iowa, joining the North Atlantic Squadron as senior Captain. During February-March 1898 served as president of the Naval Board investigating the sinking of the Maine in Havana harbor. In the latter month he was advanced to acting Rear Admiral, and named to succeed the ailing Montgomery Sicard in command of the North Atlantic Squadron. On declaration of war against Spain in April, he proceeded from Key West to institute a blockade of northern coast of Cuba, his own plan to attack Havana directly having been overruled by the Navy Department. In May while location of the Spanish fleet under Admiral Cevera was yet unknown, he made a cruise east to Puerto Rico and on May 12 bombarded San Juan. He then returned to blockade and joined by "Flying Squadron" under Winfield Scott Schley, who, though technically his senior, was placed under his command for the campaign. He sent Schley to reinforce the blockade of the southern coast, particularly at Cienfuegos and Santiago. Schley was tardy in movements, and Cevera slipped undetected into easily defended harbor at Santiago. When he was finally discovered there, Sampson concentrated his forces outside the harbor. He supported landing of Shafter's army at Daiquiri, June 22, and the capture of Siboney next day, and the subsequent advance to Santiago. Following capture of San Juan heights commanding the city on July 1 he and Shafter arranged a shore conference to plan a coordinated land-sea assault. On morning of July 3 aboard the USS New York, headed for the conference point some miles to east. Half an hour later the first of Cevera's ships appeared, steaming out of harbor to west. The Blockade Squadron, under the immediate command of Schley, went instantly into action and in less than 4 hours entire Spanish fleet was sunk or run ashore. The battle took place entirely to west of harbor entrance, and the New York was out of it altogether. Considerable controversy ensued, with Schley, who had been present aboard the USS Brooklyn, quickly becoming hero of day in papers, while the Navy Department and most knowledgeable observers credited Sampson's training, preparation, and standing orders with the squadron's success. A dispute, bitter at times, delayed promotions for both men for nearly a year. During September-December 1898 in Cuba as 1 of 3 US commissioners. He was made permanent Rear Admiral in March , and resumed command of his squadron until October 1899. He commanded the Boston Navy Yard until October 1901, waiting orders from then until hie retirement, February 1902. He died on May 6, 1902, at Washington, DC and it was originally suggested that he be buried at the Naval Academy. He was, however, subsequently buried in Section 21 of Arlington National Cemetery.		Steven A. Cardali
	127k	Keel laying ceremony for the USS Sampson (DDG-102), March 24 2005. Photos by Dave Brandt		Bill Gonyo
	132k	A series of photos of the Sampson under construction at Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine in 2005.		Clint Ellis
	107k	As above.		Clint Ellis
	63k	As above.		Clint Ellis
	58k	As above.		Clint Ellis
	90k	As above.		Clint Ellis
	91k	As above.		Clint Ellis
	48k	Three views of the Sampson under construction at Bath in August 2006.		Clint Ellis
	112k	As above.		Clint Ellis
	110k	As above.		Clint Ellis
	101k	The PCU Sampson (DDG-102) in the Kennebec River for its christening ceremony.		Bill Gonyo
	114k	Two views from the Christening ceremony of September 16 2006. The sponsor was Ms Clare Parsons, RADM Sampson’s Great-Grand-daughter.		Clint Ellis
	99k	As above.		Clint Ellis
	83k	The launching at Bath.		Dick Hart
	106k	As above.		Dick Hart
	86k	A series of 5 views from Sampson's sea trials, April 24 2007.		GSMC (SW) Clint Ellis
	60k	As above.		GSMC (SW) Clint Ellis
	113k	As above.		GSMC (SW) Clint Ellis
	130k	As above.		GSMC (SW) Clint Ellis
	122k	As above.		GSMC (SW) Clint Ellis
	83k	On sea trials.		Bill Gonyo
	102k	The sail away from Bath Iron Works.		Dot Kelly
	123k	The sail away from Bath Iron Works.		Robert M. Cieri
	46k	A series of 4 views from Sampson's commissioning November 3 2007 at Boston, MA by Kevin Hearn.		Richard Leonhardt
	109k	As above.		Richard Leonhardt
	92k	As above.		Richard Leonhardt
	99k	As above.		Richard Leonhardt
	132k	071103-N-9909C-008. Boston, November 3 2007, sailors man the rails aboard guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) during the ship's commissioning ceremony. Sampson is the fourth ship named for Rear Adm. William T. Sampson, a naval hero during the Spanish-American War. U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Jane Campbell.		Robert M. Cieri
	146k	071103-N-9909C-001. Boston, November 3 2007, members of the 101st Field Artillery Battalion of the Massachusetts Army National Guard provide the gun salute for the commissioning of USS Sampson (DDG 102). U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Jane Campbell.		Robert M. Cieri
	114k	071103-N-9909C-006. Boston, November 3 2007, Vice Adm. William D. Sullivan, the U. S. Military Representative to NATO, hands the long glass to Ensign Christina Douglas to set the first watch aboard USS Sampson (DDG 102). Sullivan, who served as the decommissioning commanding officer 16 years ago for the last USS Sampson (DDG 10), was the principal speaker at the commissioning ceremony for USS Sampson (DDG 102). U.S. Navy photo by Cmdr. Jane Campbell.		Robert M. Cieri
	93k	Cover of the commissioning program.		Bill Gonyo
	208k	The USS Bunker Hill (CG-52) and the USS Sampson (DDG-102) are undergoing a maintenance period in San Diego on July 22, 2008. Photo courtesy of Tom Saint.		Bill Gonyo/Jerry Graham
Change of Command pamphlet - November 24 2008				ENS Christina Douglas, USS Sampson (DDG-102)
	145k	090804-N-3038W-242. Pacific Ocean, August 4 2009, the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) is currently underway for a scheduled Pacific Deployment in support of Maritime Strategy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Philip Wagner, Jr.		Bill Gonyo
	124k	091104-N-3038W-340. Gulf of Oman, November 4 2009, two MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopters assigned to the Wildcards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 transfer supplies to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) transits into position for a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Phillip Wagner Jr.		Robert M. Cieri
	123k	091104-N-3038W-462. Gulf of Oman, November 4 2009, the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) transits away from the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) after completing a replenishment at sea (RAS) alongside the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Phillip Wagner Jr.		Robert M. Cieri
	87k	091112-N-3038W-221. Gulf of Oman, November 12 2009, the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) steams into position for a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE-10). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Phillip Wagner Jr.		Robert M. Cieri
	104k	091217-N-8421M-008. North Arabian Sea, December 17 2009, the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) is underway in the North Arabian Sea supporting Operation Enduring Freedom with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Mercil.		Robert M. Cieri
	165k	091218-N-8421M-047. North Arabian Sea, December 18 2009, the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) operates in the North Arabian Sea supporting Operation Enduring Freedom with the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class David Mercil.		Robert M. Cieri
	183k	100106-N-8273J-122. North Arabian Sea, January 6 2010, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead, middle, visits with Sailors on the bridge of the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102). Roughead is in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility meeting with senior leadership. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst.		Robert M. Cieri
	172k	100106-N-8273J-145. North Arabian Sea, January 6 2010, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead, left, answers questions from Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102). Roughead is in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility meeting with senior leadership. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst.		Robert M. Cieri
	185k	100106-N-8273J-252. North Arabian Sea, January 6 2010, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead, left, visits with Sailors on the bridge aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102). Roughead is in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility meeting with senior leadership. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Tiffini Jones Vanderwyst.		Robert M. Cieri
	136k	100114-N-2600H-187. North Arabian Sea, January 14 2010, the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) performs a replenishment at sea with the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampsom (DDG 102), left, and the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew A. Hepburn.		Robert M. Cieri
	134k	100114-N-2600H-119. North Arabian Sea, January 14 2010, sailors aboard the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) attach cargo to an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Wildcards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 while the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) operates astern. HSC-23 is embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68). The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew A. Hepburn.		Robert M. Cieri
	135k	100114-N-3038W-327. North Arabian Sea, January 14 2010, the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) and an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to the Wildcards of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23 embarked aboard the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) operate during a replenishment at sea. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner Jr.		Robert M. Cieri
	125k	100114-N-3038W-867. North Arabian Sea, January 14 2010, the guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102) cruises away from the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10) after completing a replenishment at sea. The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group is on a routine deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class John Philip Wagner Jr.		Robert M. Cieri
	97k	Ship's patch.		Clint Ellis
	54k	Ship's patch.		Mike Smolinski

CDR Philip Hans Roos    Nov 3 2007 - Nov 24 2008
CDR Martin H. Hardy III    Nov 24 2008 - present