USS Gridley DDG-101

The USS Gridley (DDG-101) holds an important place in defending American interests and protecting freedom across the globe. As an Arleigh Burke class destroyer for the US Navy, she is impressively equipped to succeed in even the most demanding of missions.

The USS Gridley is named after Captain Charles Gridley, an American naval hero who served valiantly from 1860-1898. He is most famous for his role in the Battle of Manila Bay as the captain of the famous flagship Olympia, under Admiral George Dewey. Gridley’s name was made famous when Dewey looked out at the inferior Spanish fleet in Manila Bay and said, “You may fire when you are ready, Gridley.” The American navy won a decisive and critical victory that day.

Commissioned on 10 February 2007, the USS Gridley has a displacement of approximately 9,200 long tons and stretches some 509 feet in length. Armed with naval guns and anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine missiles, plus other weapons, she is equipped for surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. She also is the home for two SH-60 Sea Hawk helicopters.

This coin pays tribute to the USS Gridley and salutes the exceptional service of her crew. The obverse contains a montage of the ship’s namesake, Captain Gridley, with a portside view of the USS Gridley cutting through the water. The reverse displays the shield and crest of the USS Gridley along with the ship’s motto of “FIRE WHEN READY.”