The naming of DDG 128 honors Ted Stevens, former United States Senator for Alaska from December 1968 until 2009. At the time he left office in 2009, he was the longest-serving Republican U.S. Senator in history.
While being a strong advocate for Alaska, he also promoted national security, worked to strengthen our military with modern weapons, new facilities, and improved pay and benefits. Senator Stevens served with distinction as a pilot in the Army Air Corps in World War II, earning two Air Medals for his service.