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USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL (DDG-81)


Flag Hoist/Radio Call Sign - NWSC

CLASS - BURKE Flight IIa As Built.
Displacement 8373 Tons (Full), Dimensions, 504' 7" (oa) x 66' 11" x 20' (Max)
Armament 1 x 5"/62 RF, 2 Phalanx 20mm Guns, 96 VLS Cells,
8 Harpoon Missiles, 6 x 12.75" TT.
Machinery, 100,000 SHP; 4 GE LM-2500 Gas Turbines, 2 screws
Speed, 30+ Knots, Range 4400 NM@ 20 Knots, Crew 370.
Operational and Building Data
Laid down Bath Iron Works, Bath ME March 15 1998.
Commissioned March 10 2001 at Norfolk, VA.
Active unit of the US Navy.
Homeported at Norfolk, VA.

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Churchill 27kSir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, KG, OM, CH, TD, FRS, PC (Can), 30 November 1874 - 24 January 1965, was a British politician known chiefly for his leadership of Great Britain during World War II. He served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. A noted statesman and orator, Churchill was also known as an officer in the British Army, a historical writer, and an artist. During his army career Churchill saw combat on the Northwest Frontier, in the Sudan and during the Second Boer War, during which he also gained fame and notoriety, as a war correspondent. He also served in the British Army on the Western Front and commanded the 6th Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers. At the forefront of the political scene for almost sixty years, he held many political and cabinet positions. Before the First World War, he served as President of the Board of Trade and Home Secretary during the Liberal governments. In the First World War he served as First Lord of the Admiralty, Minister of Munitions, Secretary of State for War and Secretary of State for Air and during the interwar years, he served as Chancellor of the Exchequer. After the outbreak of the Second World War, Churchill was appointed First Lord of the Admiralty. Following the resignation of Neville Chamberlain on 10 May 1940, he became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and led Britain to victory against the Axis powers. His speeches were a great inspiration to the embattled Allied forces. After losing the 1945 election, he became the leader of the opposition. In 1951, he again became Prime Minister before finally retiring in 1955. Upon his death the Queen granted him the honour of a state funeral, which saw one of the largest assemblies of statesmen in the world.Steven A. Cardali
Churchill 49kArtist's conception of the Churchill as built by the renowned graphic illustrator John Barrett with the text written by naval author and historian Robert F. Sumrall. Their company Navy Yard Associates offers prints of most destroyers, destroyer escorts, submarines and aircraft carriers in various configurations during the ship's lifetime. The prints can be customized with ship's patches, your photograph, your bio, etc. If you decide to purchase artwork from them please indicate that you heard about their work from NavSource.Navy Yard Associates
Churchill 53kUndated, location unknown.Jack Treutle
Churchill 183kUndated, undergoing Sea Trials off the Eastern Seaboard.Bill Gonyo
Churchill 52kUndated, location unknown. British flag on port yardarm of USS Winston S. Churchill, signifying a Royal Navy officer serving aboard.Ron Reeves
Churchill 46kUndated, location unknown.Richard Miller BMCS USNR RET.
Churchill 92kThe Launching Program for USS Winston S. Churchill DDG-81, held at Bath Iron Works (A General Dynamics Company), Bath, ME on 17 April 1999.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 90kThe newly-christened guided missile destroyer Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) is launched from Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine. DDG 81 is the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for an Englishman. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Tim Altevogt. [990417-N-7495A-005] Apr. 17, 1999.Steven A. Cardali
Churchill 67kBath, Maine, April 17 1999, the Lady Soames, daughter of the late British Prime Minister Winston S. Churchill, Adm. Jay L. Johnson, Chief of naval Operations, and George Robertson, British Secretary of State for Defense watch as the navy destroyer named in honor of Sir Winston S. Churchill slides down the ways at bath Iron Works on the Kennebec River. Lady Soames served as the ship's honorary sponsor for the United Kingdom and Mrs. Janet Langhart Cohen, wife of the U.S. Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen, served as official sponsor for the 505-foot warship. Photograph by Senior Chief Photograph's Mate Terry A. Cosgrove.Bill Gonyo
Churchill 110kAt Bath Iron WorksGraeme D Fuller
Churchill 74kFebruary 7 2001, Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) departs Bath Iron Works. The Navy's newest AEGIS destroyer, Churchill was delivered on 13 October 2000 and will be commissioned at Norfolk in March. Following her departure from BIW, Churchill will visit Portsmouth, NH and New York City before arriving at Norfolk for commissioning. Fred Weiss
Churchill 123kUSS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81) underway, probably during builder's trials in late 2000 or early 2001. Official U.S. Navy Photograph, from the collections of the Naval History and Heritage Command. Photo # NH 106855-KN.Robert Hurst
Churchill 146kUSS Winston S. Churchill DDG-81 steaming down the Kennebec River as she departs the Bath Iron Works (BIW) Bath, ME. February 7, 2001.Steven A. Cardali
Churchill 149kPCU Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) at Doubling Point on the Kennebec Riveras she departs the Bath Iron Works to conduct sea trials. Photo Courtesy of General Dynamics.Bill Gonyo
Churchill 106kCommissioning Day March 10 2001 at Norfolk, VA. for the USS Winston S. Churchill DDG-81. Photo by M.J. Sullivan.Bill Gonyo
Churchill 61kPhoto from "The Virginian-Pilot", Norfork VA , page 1, 10 March 2001, approaching the pier at Town Point Park, Norfolk, VA on 9 March 2001.Gary Priolo
Churchill 107kThe English Channel, Aug. 22, 2001, crewmembers of USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) return to their ship after a visit with the British ship, HMS Monmouth. Churchill is homeported in Norfolk, Va. The ship is named in honor of Sir Winston Spencer Leonard Churchill (1874-1965), best known for his courageous leadership as British Prime Minister during World War II. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Shane McCoy. [010822-N-6967M-503] Aug. 22, 2001.Fred Weiss
Churchill 94kPortsmouth, England, Aug. 22, 2001, the guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) is greeted with a fly-by from a British WWII Spitfire as she enters Portsmouth, England. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Photographer's Mate George Chen. [010822-N-2482C-003] Aug. 22, 2001.Fred Weiss
Churchill 138kEntering Portsmouth, England harbor.Alan Baptist
Churchill 45kAboard USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), Sep. 5, 2001, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class James Jensen mans a 50-caliber machine gun aboard the Churchill to deter terrorists, played by Royal Navy sailors, during Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST). U.S. Navy's interdeployment training. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Shane McCoy. Fred Weiss
Churchill 54kAt sea with USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) Sep. 13, 2001, USS Winston S. Churchill makes a high-speed run in the English Channel. The destroyeris based in Norfolk, Va. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 2nd Class Shane T. McCoy.Fred Weiss
Churchill 107kAt sea aboard USS Winston S. Churchill, Oct. 24, 2001, sea spray whips across the forecastle of USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) as the ship plows through rough seas in the North Atlantic Ocean. The Norfolk, Va.-based destroyer is returning home after completing a deployment to the United Kingdom and Norway. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 2nd Class Shane McCoy. [011024-N-6967M-501] Oct. 24, 2001Fred Weiss
Churchill 132k020118-N-6153P-001. Atlantic Ocean, January 18 2002, from lead, in foreground) USS Underwood (FFG 36), USS Ticonderoga (CG 47), USS Carney (DDG 64), USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), and USS Taylor (FFG 50) steam in a "Ships Parade" formation during Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) 2002. U.S. Navy Photo by Photographer's Mate 1st Class Phil Pruitt.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 71kThe bow of the USS Winston S. Churchill looms over the dry dock at Bath Iron Works in Bath, ME. The ships crew and local ship yard workers are nearing the end of the ships post shakedown cruise after a 25 million dollar upgrade to the ships equipment. warfare systems, and living quarters. After being floated from the dry dock the destroyer will receive the remainder of the upgrades pier side before departing for her homeprt of Norfolk, VA. and becomming part of the USS Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group. The People here in MAINE take PRIDE in the Aegis Class Destroyer we build for the United States Navy. (Photo August 5, 2002).Steven A. Cardali
Churchill 79kWater & Air are forced through the propellers of the Churchill to test ship system that reduces reverberations made by the screws while the ship is underway. Photo August 5, 2002.Steven A. Cardali
Churchill 179kUSS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81) launches a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) toward Iraq, 23 March 2003. Winston S. Churchill was deployed conducting missions in support of "Operation Iraqi Freedom," the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Christopher B. Stoltz, United States Navy NewsStand image # 030327-N-9964S-519.Robert Hurst
Churchill 52kMarch 23 2003, a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is launched from the guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill. The Churchill is operating in the eastern Mediterranean Sea conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Fred Weiss
Churchill 55kMarch 23 2003, a Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) is launched from the guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill. The Churchill is operating in the eastern Mediterranean Sea conducting missions in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.Fred Weiss
Churchill 60k030328-N-0874K-002 The Mediterranean Sea March 28 2003, a Tomahawk land attack missile's (TLAM) booster lights up the deck of USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) as combat missions continue in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upgraded from the Tomahawks of Operation Desert Storm, the current model are Block III. Block III Tomahawk uses an Inertial Navigation System (INS) aided by Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM), Digital Scene Matching Area Correlation (DSMAC) and a Global Positioning Satellite guidance capability. Operation Iraqi Freedom is the multi-national coalition effort to liberate the Iraqi people, eliminate Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction, and end the regime of Saddam Hussein. U.S. Navy photo by Chief Fire Control Technician James Krogman.USN
Churchill 78kBlack Falcon Pier in South Boston, MA July 26 2003.Brian J. Johnson
Churchill 91kBlack Falcon Pier in South Boston, MA July 26 2003.Brian J. Johnson
Churchill 72kBlack Falcon Pier in South Boston, MA July 26 2003.Brian J. Johnson
Churchill 121kBlack Falcon Pier in South Boston, MA July 26 2003.Brian J. Johnson
Churchill 103kBlack Falcon Pier in South Boston, MA July 26 2003.Brian J. Johnson
Churchill 150kBlack Falcon Pier in South Boston, MA July 26 2003.Brian J. Johnson
Churchill 126kBlack Falcon Pier in South Boston, MA July 26 2003.Brian J. Johnson
Churchill 93k051107-N-3441D-003. Norfolk, VA, November 7 2005, a tugboat approaches the guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) as it prepares to guide the ship out of Naval Station Norfolk Harbor. Churchill is deploying for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist 3rd Class Maja Dyson.Bill Gonyo
Churchill 118kAt the D&S piers Norfolk, October 14 2007, overlooking the USS Jacksonville (SSN-699).John Hummel
Churchill 91k071105-N-5275S-092. Norfolk, VA, November 5 2007, tugboats assist Guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) as she gets underway for deployment as part of Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Seth Scarlett.Bill Gonyo
Churchill 178k080123-N-0535P-548. Persian Gulf, January 23 2008, from top, the Nimitz-class nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) performs a replenishment at sea (RAS), with the fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) while underway. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jay C. Pugh.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 170k080123-N-0535P-630. Persian Gulf, January 23 2008, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) performs an emergency breakaway maneuver upon securing from a replenishment at sea (RAS) with the the Military Sealift Command fast combat support ship USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). The British Royal Navy destroyer HMS Manchester (D 95) is lining up to come alongside Arctic. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jay C. Pugh.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 68kPersian Gulf, February 11 2008, the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), assigned to the U.S. 5th Fleet, patrols the Persian Gulf. U.S. and coalition forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region to deter destabilizing activities and safeguard the region's vital links to the global economy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Grant P. Ammon, ID# 080211-N-3925A-003.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 106k080211-N-3925A-004. Persian Gulf, February 11 2008, a bow on view of the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81), assigned to the U.S. 5th Fleet, patrols the Persian Gulf. U.S. and coalition forces maintain a naval and air presence in the region to deter destabilizing activities and safeguard the region's vital links to the global economy. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Grant P. Ammon.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 151kGodoria Range, Djibouti, March 15 2008, the guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-80), prepare for the Naval Service Fire Support Exercise. The ship will be firing High Explosive Variable Time rounds at targets that are set-up at the range. The exercise is to help maintain crew proficiency. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jacqueline Kabluyen, ID# 080315-F-2114K-370.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 74k080322-N-4879G-208. Persian Gulf, March 22 2008, Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Aaron Kershaw conducts maintenance on a MK-34 MOD 14 torpedo launcher aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Grieco.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 77k080324-N-4879G-471. Persian Gulf, March 24 2008, Boatswain's Mate Seaman Edgar Trujillo, landing signal enlisted, signals a SH-60 Seahawk that it is clear for lift off fom the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81). U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Grieco.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 98k080604-N-0635C-133. Norfolk, VA, June 4 2008, families and friends await the return of Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) as the ship pulls into Naval Station Norfolk after a seven-month deployment. U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Pamela M. Coxe.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 138k080604-N-0635C-126. Norfolk, VA, June 4 2008, families await the return of Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) after a seven-month deployment. Nearly 7,500 Sailors have returned to their homeports after completing scheduled deployments with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group supporting maritime security operations in the 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. U.S Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Pamela M. Coxe.Robert M. Cieri
Churchill 179k140923-N-VC236-014. Atlantic Ocean, September 23 2014, Ensign Nicolai Carlson, from Ephraim, Wis., left, and Fire Controlman 1st Class Michael Jimenez, from Los Angeles, track a surface vessel from the combat information center aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81). Winston S. Churchill is underway conducting group training with Carrier Strike Group 12. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jackie Hart.Ron Reeves
Churchill 204k150122-N-VC236-013. Atlantic Ocean, January 22 2015, a Sailor aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) stands watch as the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS McFaul (DDG 74), right, USS Laboon (DDG 58), left, and USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) conduct a simulated strait transit exercise. Farragut is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment. U.S. Navy Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jackie Hart.Ron Reeves
Churchill 126k150202-N-PG340-049. Atlantic Ocean, February 2 2015, Ensign Ryan Montgomery, from Los Angeles, stands the conning officer watch on the bridge aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81). Churchill is underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) with the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group in preparation for an upcoming deployment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephane Belcher.Ron Reeves
Churchill   Chruchill   Churchill   Churchill   Churchill
October 16 2015, USS Winston S.Churchill (DDG-81) arrived at port of Piraeus for a port visit.
George Haralampides
Churchill 682k170916-N-WV703-1362. Atlantic Ocean, September 16, 2017. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill fires its Mark 45 Mod 4 5-inch gun during a live-fire exercise Sept. 16, 2017. Winston S. Churchill, homeported at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amy M. Ressler/Released)Dave Wright
Churchill 584k170919-N-EO381-030. Atlantic Ocean, September 19, 2017. The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) prepares to conduct a replenishment-at-sea with the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Medgar Evers (T-AKE 13) Sept. 19, 2017. Winston S. Churchill, homeported in Norfolk, Va., is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Casey J. Hopkins/Released) Dave Wright
Churchill 140kUSS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81) outbound on the River Clyde in Scotland on the 24th September 2017 after departing Faslane Naval Base. She had been i nScottish waters particpating in Exercise Formidable Shield 2017. Thomas Bryceland
Churchill 615k180504-N-NJ910-0003. U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations, May 4, 2018, The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) approaches the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) for a fueling-at-sea, May 4, 2018. Iwo Jima, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Dary M. Patten/Released Dave Wright
Churchill 89kShips patch.Steven A. Cardali
Churchill 31kShips patch.Mike Smolinski

USS WINSTON S. CHURCHILL DDG-81 History
Note: History is unavailable at this time
This ship was built too late to be covered by the DANFS project

Commanding Officers
Thanks to Wolfgang Hechler & Ron Reeves


CDR Michael Thane Franken    Mar 10 2001 - Apr 19 2002 (Later RADM)

CDR Holly Anne Graf    Apr 20 2002 - Feb 6 2004

CDR Todd William Leavitt    Feb 7 2004 - Feb 28 2006

CDR Nelson C. Castro    Mar 1 2006 - Oct 31 2007

CDR Mark Jerome Oberley    Nov 1 2007 - Jan 17 2008

CDR Fred I. Pyle    Jan 18 2008 - Aug 21 2009

CDR Juan Jimenez Orozco    Aug 21 2009 - Feb 25 2011

CDR Michael Edward Hutchens    Feb 25 2011 - Aug 16 2012

CDR Christopher Don Stone    Aug 16 2012 - Feb 28 2014 

CDR Christine Renee O'Connell    Feb 28 2014 - Sep 8 2015

CDR Paul Michael Allgeier   Sep 8 2015 - May 5 2017

CDR Tom Michael Van Scoten   May 5 2017 - 2019

CDR Benjamin Paul Abbott   2019 - May 21 2020

CDR Timothy Franci Shanley   May 21 2020 - Nov 10 2020

CDR Brian Sheldon Anthony    Nov 10 2020 - present


Additional Resources and Web Sites of Interest
USS Churchill Website
Tin Can Sailors Website
Destroyer History Foundation
Destroyers Online Website
Official U.S.Navy Destroyer Website

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This page was created by Fred Willishaw (ex ARG-4, AS-11 & DD-692) and is maintained by David L. Wright
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Last Updated 07 December 2021