Topic: Naval Destroyer Arrives To Be Commissioned

Boston Globe
October 30, 2007
The 511-foot-long destroyer that cruised into Boston Harbor yesterday doesn't flaunt its brawn. But beneath its gray decks, the USS Sampson packs enough missiles, torpedoes, and shells to wreak its share of havoc if called upon.
The Navy calls its newest Arleigh Burke class destroyer, which will be commissioned in Boston this weekend, its most sophisticated. "It does everything better than all our older destroyers," said Lieutenant Paul Brawley, a Navy spokesman.
The ship, which arrived at the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal yesterday afternoon from Norfolk, Va., is being commissioned in Boston because its namesake, Rear Admiral William T. Sampson, spent his final years in the sea service at the Boston Navy Yard in Charlestown, becoming commandant in October 1899.
The last Navy vessel to be commissioned in Boston was the USS Preble in November 2002. Commander Philip Roos, the Sampson's captain, called it awesome to have his ship commissioned in Boston.
"Given Sampson's time here and all the history here, it's totally fitting," he said.
The public is invited to view the ship tomorrow, from 1 p.m.-3 p.m.; Thursday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.; Friday, 1 p.m.-2 p.m. and 3 p.m.-4 p.m.; and Saturday, noon-2:30 p.m.
David Abel