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Guided-Missile Destroyer Honors Sen. John S. McCain

U.S. Sen. John McCain is a decorated Vietnam War veteran who spent more than five years in prison camps.

The U.S. Navy honored U.S. Sen. John S. McCain as the official namesake of the guided-missile destroyer named in honor of his father. 

Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer attended the ceremony Thursday to induct Sen. McCain as the official namesake of USS John S. McCain.

β€œToday, we add the story of Sen. John S. McCain to the spirit of the mighty vessel which already carries the legacy of his father and grandfather,” said Spencer.

The six-term senator is a decorated Vietnam War veteran who spent more than five years in prison camps. 

He is currently battling a brain cancer diagnosis he announced nearly one year ago.

USS John S. McCain was first commissioned in 1994. It is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan as part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet.

β€œAs a warrior and a statesman who has always put country first, Sen. John McCain never asked for this honor, and he would never seek it. But we would be remiss if we did not etch his name alongside his illustrious forebears because this country would not be the same were it not for the courageous service of all three of these great men," Spencer said.

JohnMcCain_NavalPortrait_87143
Courtesy Naval Historical Center
An undated official U.S. Navy portrait of John S. McCain III. (Courtesy Naval Historical Center)

The 81-year-old statesman's life, legacy and status as a national political figure have resurfaced via a new HBO documentary, "John McCain: For Whom the Bell Tolls," and his new memoir, "The Restless Wave."

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