USS Barry

USS Barry, named after Commodore John Barry, the Irish (Wexford) born American Revolutionary naval hero, is generally recognized as "The Father of the US Navy" for being named the first officer of the US Navy and assigned by President Washington to train a class of midshipmen and officers, which included Charles Stewart, Stephen Decatur and Richard Somers, all of whom fought with distinction against the Barbary Pirates. The remains of Lt. Richard Somers are burried at Green Square, Tripoli, the epicenter of the Libyan Revolution.

Navy to mark 2,000th launch of Tomahawk cruise missile

By Cindy Clayton
The Virginian-Pilot
© August 5, 2011
NORFOLK
Navy officials are holding a ceremony today to mark the 2,000th Tomahawk cruise missile combat launch.

The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. aboard the guided-missile destroyer Barry.

Barry crew members will be recognized for their role in launching the missile on March 19 against an air defense target during Operation Odyssey Dawn in Libya, a Navy news release says.

The Tomahawk has been used for more than 30 years. The Navy uses different variants of the missle system, including the Block IV which incorporates GPS navigation and a satellite data-link for long-range fixed and moving targets in support of Special Forces. The missiles can fly at low altitudes and high sub-sonic speeds.

Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles have been used in every major U.S. combat operation since Operation Desert Storm. It can be launched from more than 140 Navy ships and submarines. It also is used by the U.K. Royal Navy.