View source for USS Higgins

{{Short description|Arleigh Burke-class destroyer}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
| Ship image = USS Higgins DDG-76.jpg
| Ship caption = USS ''Higgins'' (DDG-76), on 16 June 2001
}}
{{Infobox ship career
| Hide header = 
| Ship country = United States
| Ship flag = {{USN flag}}
| Ship name = ''Higgins''
| Ship namesake = [[William R. Higgins]]
| Ship ordered = 19 January 1993
| Ship builder = [[Bath Iron Works]]
| Ship laid down = 14 November 1996
| Ship launched = 4 October 1997
| Ship acquired = 14 January 1999
| Ship commissioned = 24 April 1999
| Ship decommissioned = 
| Ship homeport = [[Fleet Activities Yokosuka|Yokosuka]], Japan
| Ship in service = 
| Ship out of service = 
| Ship struck = 
| Ship reinstated = 
| Ship honours = [[USS Higgins#Awards|See ''Awards'']]
| Ship motto = ''First to Fight''
| Ship fate = 
| Ship status = {{Ship in active service}}
| Ship identification = *{{MMSI Number|368870000}}
*[[Maritime call sign|Callsign]]: NMEG
*{{ICS|November}}{{ICS|Mike}}{{ICS|Echo}}{{ICS|Golf}}
*[[Hull number]]: DDG-76
| Ship badge = [[File:USS Higgins DDG-76 Crest.png|150px]]
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
| Hide header = 
| Header caption = 
| Ship class = {{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer}}
| Ship displacement = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer displacement II}}
| Ship length = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer length I}}
| Ship beam = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer beam}}
| Ship draft = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer draft}}
| Ship power = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer power}}
| Ship propulsion = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer propulsion}}
| Ship speed = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer speed}}
| Ship range = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer range}}
| Ship complement = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer complement}}
| Ship sensors = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer sensors}}
| Ship EW = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer EW}}
| Ship armament = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer armament I (BMD)}}
| Ship armor = 
| Ship aircraft = {{Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Flight I/II aircraft}}
| Ship notes = 
}}
|}

'''USS ''Higgins'' (DDG-76)''' is an {{sclass|Arleigh Burke|destroyer|0}} ([[Arleigh Burke-class destroyer#Characteristics|Flight II]]) [[Aegis combat system|Aegis]] [[guided missile destroyer]] of the [[United States Navy]]. She is the 15th of the class to be built by [[Bath Iron Works]] of [[Bath, Maine]]. Construction began on 14&nbsp;November 1996 and she was [[Ship launch|launched]] and christened on 4&nbsp;October 1997. She was [[Ship commissioning|commissioned]] at a ceremony in [[Port Everglades, Florida]] on 24&nbsp;April 1999. She is part of [[Destroyer Squadron 15]] within the [[U.S. 7th Fleet|Seventh Fleet]], and is homeported at [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka]] in [[Yokosuka, Japan]].

==Namesake==
She is named for [[William R. Higgins]], a [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] in the [[U.S. Marine Corps]], who was captured, tortured and murdered in 1988 by [[Hezbollah]], during a [[UN peacekeeping]] mission to [[Lebanon]]. In 1992 he was posthumously awarded the [[Presidential Citizens Medal]], and two years later it was announced that a ship would be named in his honor.

==History==
{{Listen
| image       = [[File:Crystal Project video camera.png|50px]]
| help        = no
| filename    = The First 72 Hours (2000), US Navy.webm
| alt         = 
| title       = ''The First 72 Hours'' (2000)
| pos         = right
| description = 2000 documentary short film showing daily life as a sailor aboard USS ''Higgins''.
}}
''Higgins'' was built by [[Bath Iron Works]] in [[Bath, Maine]]. The ship was [[Ship christening|christened]] on 1&nbsp;October 1997 by the wife of Colonel Higgins, Lieutenant Colonel [[Robin L. Higgins]], USMC (retired), who is also the [[Ship sponsor|ship's sponsor]]. "In the name of all that is good and right in the world - Semper Fi - Always Faithful - I christen thee HIGGINS".

On 16 August 1999, ''Higgins'' conducted Spotter Services off [[San Clemente Island]]. The following day, ''Higgins'' shot her first FIREX and earned an amazing 105.92, the highest score on the range that year and the highest in DDG history. ''Higgins''{{'}}s score later proved enough to win the Chezek Award for Excellence in Naval Gunnery (the "Top Gun" award), which Vice Admiral Edward Moore Jr. presented to the crew in October.<ref>https://safe.menlosecurity.com/doc/docview/viewer/docN29C75804C137af2790399d81665cea1ce876628dd2eb0de9431cecc1ce6eb8c21f47b0a2ff3b {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>

After a port visit in [[Hong Kong]] during her maiden deployment, ''Higgins'' was the first ship off the coast for the [[Hainan Island incident]] that occurred on 1&nbsp;April 2001, when a United States Navy [[Lockheed EP-3|EP-3E ARIES II]] [[signals intelligence]] aircraft and a [[People's Liberation Army Navy]] (PLAN) [[J-8II]] interceptor fighter jet collided in mid-air, resulting in an international dispute between the United States and the People's Republic of China on her maiden deployment.

Upon returning to San Diego in April 2004, ''Higgins'' completed a safe and efficient ordnance offload and fuel transfer and headed into a nine-week Selected Restricted Availability. This time in the shipyard enhanced ''Higgins''{{'}}s capabilities including the installation of the Tactical Tomahawk weapons system, the refurbishment of the Mk 45/5-inch Lightweight Gun Mount and Mk 41 Vertical Launch systems, and an enhanced Combat Systems suite.<ref name="US Navy">{{cite web |title=USS Higgins |url=https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg76/Pages/history.aspx |website=public.navy.mil |publisher=US Navy |access-date=14 March 2020 |archive-date=16 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016195143/https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg76/Pages/history.aspx |url-status=dead }} {{PD-notice}}</ref> December 2004 marked the beginning of a busy upcoming year for ''Higgins''. She became a member of the {{USS|Nimitz}} Carrier Strike Group, in the company of ''Nimitz'',  the cruiser {{USS|Princeton|CG-59|2}}, the destroyer {{USS|Chafee|DDG-90|2}}, and the submarine {{USS|Louisville|SSN-724|2}}. In the three-week Composite Unit Exercise that followed, ''Higgins'' stood out in all mission areas and, along with the other ships in the ''Nimitz'' Strike Group, was now certified "surge ready" to deploy.<ref name="US Navy"/>

In February 2005, the ship conducted the Congressionally-mandated inspection by the Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). This complete material assessment of the ship was successfully completed and was highlighted by a one-day underway demonstration which showcased ''Higgins''{{'}}s high levels of combat readiness with near-perfect grades in nearly every category.<ref name="US Navy"/> The next pre-deployment milestone consisted of ''Higgins''{{'}}s ordnance onload at Naval Weapons Station [[Seal Beach]]. Once the ship was outfitted with her deployment load of ammunition, ''Higgins'' was once again underway with the ''Nimitz'' Strike Group in March for a Joint Task Force Exercise. Coincident with that two-week exercise, ''Higgins'' sent three teams to the recently instituted Non-Compliant Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure school and, as a result, became one of the first ships to deploy to the Fifth Fleet AOR with an organic non-compliant boarding capability, greatly enhancing her effectiveness in waging the [[Global War on Terrorism]].<ref name="US Navy"/>

With only thirteen months since the previous deployment, ''Higgins'' commenced a second deployment on 6 May 2005 in company with the ''Nimitz'' Strike Group. A brief stop at the North Island Naval Weapons Station provided ''Higgins'' with several new combat capabilities, particularly the new Tactical Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and the High Explosive Electronically Timed (HE-ET) and Kinetic Energy Electronically Timed (KE-ET) 5-inch projectiles. While the TACTOM missiles significantly enhance ''Higgins''{{'}}s Strike warfare capabilities, the HE-ET and KE-ET rounds provide the ship more capable defense against an asymmetric surface threat.<ref name="US Navy"/>

In the second half of January 2006, ''Higgins'' conducted Mobility-Navigation and Seamanship (MOB-N and MOB-S) training while transiting to Puerto Vallarta for a three-day port visit. February and March saw various phases of the pre-deployment training cycle, including exercises or assessments in Anti-Terrorism and Force Protection, Engineering, Combat Systems Training Team capabilities, Supply and Medical Readiness, Damage Control, and Search and Rescue.<ref name="US Navy"/> In April 2006, ''Higgins'' offloaded ammo in Seal Beach and completed a Mobility-Engineering (MOB-E) assessment in preparation for the ensuing Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) period, which brought with it many equipment upgrades that enhanced ''Higgins''{{'}}s warfare capabilities.<ref name="US Navy"/> In August 2006, ''Higgins'' returned to Naval Station San Diego from the shipyard and kicked off the pre-deployment "workups", which included various inport scenarios involving Damage Control, Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS), Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD), Undersea Warfare (USW), and Strike Warfare (STW). Later in the month, ''Higgins'' returned to Seal Beach to take on weapons required for the following year's deployment.<ref name="US Navy"/>

The ship performed logistical support for [[United States Coast Guard]] helicopters undergoing relief operations for the [[2010 Haiti earthquake]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna34832613|title=First U.S. vessel arrives at Port-au-Prince |date=13 January 2010|work=NBC News|access-date=14 January 2010}}</ref>

On 14 April 2018, she fired 23 [[Tomahawk (missile family)|Tomahawk]] missiles from a position in the north [[Persian Gulf]] as part of a [[2018 bombing of Damascus and Homs|bombing campaign]] in retaliation for the Syrian government's [[Douma chemical attack|use of chemical weapons against people in Douma]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.militarytimes.com/pentagon/2018/04/14/us-launched-105-weapons-against-syria-with-none-intercepted-dod-says/|title=Coalition launched 105 weapons against Syria, with none intercepted, DoD says|last1=Mehta|first1=Aaron|date=14 April 2018|work=Military Times|access-date=14 April 2018|last2=Copp|first2=Tara}}</ref> On 27 May 2018, she, alongside the guided missile cruiser {{USS|Antietam|CG-54|6}}, patrolled the {{convert|12|nmi|adj=on}} zone surrounding the [[Paracel Islands]] in the [[South China Sea]], which Vietnam has claimed as its territory, in an act to ensure [[freedom of navigation]]. Some{{who|date=May 2018}} say the patrol was in response to the deployment of [[Xian H-6|H6-K]] bombers by the [[People's Liberation Army Air Force]]. That act was considered by the [[United States Department of Defense|Pentagon]] to be an act of aggression, leading to rising tensions in the area.<ref>{{cite news|title=China protests 'provocation' after US sends two warships near South China Sea islands|work=South China Morning Post|date=28 May 2018|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2148002/us-warships-sail-near-south-china-sea-islands-move}}</ref>

On August 16, 2021, ''Higgins'' arrived in [[United States Fleet Activities Yokosuka]] as her new homeport and part of DESRON 15.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.navy.mil/Press-Office/News-Stories/Article/2734298/uss-higgins-and-uss-howard-arrive-in-yokosuka-japan-join-desron-15/ | title=USS Higgins and USS Howard arrive in Yokosuka, Japan, join DESRON 15 }}</ref>

On 20 September 2022, ''Higgins'', alongside the Canadian frigate {{HMCS|Vancouver|FFH 331|6}}, transited the [[Taiwan Strait]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mongilio |first1=Heather |title=USS Higgins Joins Canadian Warship to Transit Taiwan Strait |url=https://news.usni.org/2022/09/20/uss-higgins-joins-canadian-warship-to-transit-taiwan-strait |access-date=22 September 2022 |publisher=USNI News |date=20 September 2022}}</ref>

===Deployments===
[[File:220312-N-YA628-1017.jpg|thumb|''Higgins'' conducts routine underway operations.]]
* Maiden deployment – November 2000–May 2001 Western Pacific/Persian Gulf
* Sea swap deployment – November 2002–April 2004 Western Pacific/Persian Gulf.<ref>[https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=12606 navy.mil]{{dead link|date=April 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}</ref>
* May 2005 - November 2005
* Around the world cruise - August 2009 - March 2010
* November 2017–21 June 2018 Western Pacific.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/uss-higgins-homecoming-naval-base-san-diego-june-2018/49434/ | title=Sailors Aboard USS Higgins Return to San Diego from 7-Month Deployment | date=21 June 2018 }}</ref>
* Forward deployment – August 2021 - TBD Yokosuka, Japan

==Awards==
* [[Navy Unit Commendation]] - (Jan-May 2003, Aug-Dec 2015)
* [[Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation]] - (Dec 2000-Mar 2001) TRUMAN BATTLE GROUP
* [[United States Coast Guard|Coast Guard]] [[Meritorious Unit Commendation]] with [[Operational Distinguishing Device]] - (1997–1999)
* [[Battle E|Battle "E"]] - (2003, 2021)
* [[National Defense Service Medal]]
* [[Humanitarian Service Medal]] - (14-25 Jan 2010) [[2010 Haiti earthquake]]
*.[[Sea Service Deployment Ribbon]] (multiple) 
* [[Overseas Service Ribbon]]
* James F. Chezek Memorial Gunnery Award - (1999, 2001)

==Coat of arms==
=== Shield ===
The shield has background of blue with a "V" cutting through the center. The [[griffin]] is shown in the "V" wielding an axe and a [[trident]].
The traditional Navy colors were chosen for the shield because dark blue, white and gold respectively represent the sea, integrity and excellence. The griffin, holding an axe and a trident, denotes valor and intelligence. The axe indicates her ability and readiness for engaging land based hostilities, while the trident symbolizes her modern weapon systems, giving her air combat and undersea engagement versatility. The "V" of the shield represents victory and the [[clover]] leaf is for good fortune.

=== Crest ===
The crest consists of an anchor with swords crossing in the middle, both surrounded by wreaths.
The anchor is representative of the U.S. Navy. Two wreaths, one behind and one surrounding the anchor, symbolize the military and civilian honors awarded to Colonel Higgins for some unusual achievements. Crossed swords, a Naval officer's sword and a Marine Corps Mameluke, represent the long-standing tradition of Navy and Marine Corps cooperation in times of peace and war.

=== Motto ===
The motto is written on a scroll of gold that has a blue reverse side.
The ships motto is "First to Fight". The motto is a reference to the honorable feats of Colonel Higgins and is part of The "Marines" Hymn.

=== Seal ===
The coat of arms in full color as in the blazon, upon a white background enclosed within a dark blue oval border edged on the outside with a gold rope and bearing the inscription "USS HIGGINS" at the top and "DDG 76" in the base all gold.

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
{{Naval Vessel Register}}

==External links==
{{commons category|USS Higgins (DDG-76)}}
* [https://archive.today/20131212224726/http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg76 Official site]
* {{Naval Vessel Register URL|id=DDG76|title=Naval Vessel Register – DDG-76}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20120609101240/http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=29265  USS Higgins Commanding Officer Relieved]. Story Number: NNS070508-04. 8 May 2007
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080625013742/http://www.history.navy.mil/shiphist/h/ddg76.htm navy.mil] - 1999 and 2000 Command History Reports for Higgins

{{Arleigh Burke class destroyer}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Higgins (DDG-76)}}
[[Category:Arleigh Burke-class destroyers]]
[[Category:Destroyers of the United States]]
[[Category:Ships built in Bath, Maine]]
[[Category:1997 ships]]
[[Category:2010 Haiti earthquake relief]]
[[Category:Carrier Strike Group One]]