USS Milius

USS Milius, May 2007

In January 2005, Milius participated in Operation Unified Assistance. On 6 December 2006, the ship successfully launched a Block IV Tomahawk cruise missile for the first time in a test of the Block IV configuration. The launch took place in the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division Sea Test Range off of California. The missile flew 869 miles before impacting its target on the land range at China Lake, California.

On 12 September 2007, the Embassy of the United States, Manila stated that the arrival of the destroyers USS Chung-Hoon and USS Milius was a goodwill visit to strengthen Philippines–United States relations.[3]

USS Milius in San Diego bay, February 7, 2017

The ship’s crest is designed in remembrance of the military service of the ship’s namesake, Captain Paul Lloyd Milius, and the courage and dedication that promoted his selfless act of heroism.[14] 

Dark blue and gold are colors traditionally used by the Navy and denote the sea and excellence. The shield itself reflects the power of the Aegis shield. The double-edged battle-ax symbolizes the power of the modern guided missile destroyer. The battle-ax harnesses is a warning that peace should be maintained; provoked and unleashed, the battle-ax is a punishing offensive weapon capable of delivering crushing blows.  The trident reflects the prowess of MILIUS, capable of projecting sea power on the land, in the air, and on and beneath the sea.  The crossed swords are the modern Navy sword of today and the cutlass of the John Paul Jones era symbolizing the enduring tradition and heritage of the United States Navy.  The border, for unity, is red highlighting readiness for action and sacrifice, if necessary.  The seven bolts on the border represent the seven lives saved by Captain Milius’ heroic action.[14] 

The lion suggests Captain Milius’ extraordinary heroism as the aircraft commander in Observation Squadron Sixty-Seven for which he received the Navy Cross, represented by the cross plate, and underscored his selfless courage and inspiring devotion to duty.[14]  

Alii Prae Me, or “Others Before Myself,” was chosen to reflect the personal ethic held throughout Captain Milius’ military career and his selfless act under fire.[14]

USS Milius has been awarded the Navy Battle "E" four times

• 01-Jan-2002 31-Dec-2002
• 01-Jan-2012 31-Dec-2012 [15]
• 01-Jan-2015 31-Dec-2015
• 01-Jan-2019 31-Dec-2019
• PACFLT 2003 Retention Excellence Award Winner
• PACFLT 2002 Marjorie Sterrett Battleship Fund Award
• 2019 Bloodhound Award Winner

This article includes information collected from the Naval Vessel Register, which, as a U.S. government publication, is in the public domain.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to USS Milius (DDG-69).

• Official USS Milius Web site
• navsource.org: USS Milius