USS John Finn was commissioned in Hawaii Saturday, honoring a San Diego Chief Aviation Ordinanceman who served in World War II.
Lt. John Finn, who lived in Campo, received the Medal of Honor for heroism during the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack.
Finn manned a machine gun mounted on an instruction stand while under heavy fire, and had to be convinced to leave his post after he was injured multiple times. Once he received first aid treatment, he returned to the squadron area to supervise the rearming of returning planes.
Finn served throughout the war, and eventually earned the rank of lieutenant. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 100.
"The commissioning of USS John Finn marks the beginning of what will be decades of exceptional service for this ship," said the Honorable Sean Stackley, acting secretary of the Navy. "During World War II, Chief Finn distinguished himself through heroic service to his fellow Sailors and our nation. I know the men and women who make up the crew of USS John Finn will carry his legacy forward with the same selfless service he distinguished more than 75 years ago."
USS John Finn is the 63rd Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and the first of her class commissioned since USS Michael Murphy joined the fleet October 2012.
