U.S. Navy Honors South Carolina Hero with New Destroyer
The U.S. Navy will name its newest destroyer after a South Carolina war hero, Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter, who performed an extraordinary act of bravery in Afghanistan. In November 2010, shortly before Thanksgiving and just a month after celebrating his 21st birthday, Carpenter selflessly jumped on a live grenade to protect a fellow Marine. The explosion caused severe injuries, including the loss of his right eye and significant damage to his body. Despite the severity of his wounds, Carpenter survived and was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor in 2014, the highest military honor bestowed by the United States government.
Since receiving this prestigious award, Carpenter has continued to inspire many. He earned a degree in international studies from the University of South Carolina, where he received a standing ovation during his graduation ceremony in 2017. He has also traveled extensively, backpacking across Europe, and has taken up skydiving and marathon running. In 2020, he published a memoir titled You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For, sharing his journey and experiences.
New Destroyer to be Built in Maine
The destroyer named the U.S.S. Kyle Carpenter will be constructed at the Bath Iron Works shipyard in Maine. This announcement was made by Secretary of the Navy John Phelan, highlighting the Navy’s commitment to honoring the sacrifices of service members. The new ship will be part of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, which are instrumental in a variety of military operations, including patrolling U.S. borders and collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard to intercept illegal drug shipments.
Carpenter’s background offers an insight into his character. Raised in Batesburg-Leesville, South Carolina, he was known for his leadership and camaraderie on the football field. He enlisted in the Marines in 2009, completing his boot camp training at Parris Island near Beaufort. His deployment to the Helmand Province in July 2010 came at a critical time, following an order from then-President Barack Obama to send an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan. This surge marked a period that would become one of the deadliest for U.S. and NATO forces, as well as for Afghan civilians.
By the end of 2010, over 700 military personnel had lost their lives in the conflict, according to casualty reports compiled by iCasualties.org. Carpenter’s heroic actions during this tumultuous time not only saved a life but also exemplified the courage and sacrifice that many service members displayed.
The legacy of Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter will now be honored through the naming of the U.S.S. Kyle Carpenter, a powerful reminder of the bravery shown by those who serve in the armed forces. This new addition to the Navy’s fleet will serve as a tribute to the sacrifices made by Carpenter and countless others, ensuring their stories and valor remain part of the nation’s history.
