Memorial Day Reflections in Saugus

“The real-world events of the past 18 months further highlight the extraordinary legacy of service and sacrifice.”

(Editor’s Note: Wakefield native Shelby M. Nikitin, the former Naval commander of the guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner, gave the keynote speech at last Saturday’s Memorial Day Ceremony at Riverside Cemetery. A text of that address follows.)

Captain Castinetti, thank you for the invitation to be here with all of you today to celebrate the brave men and women who have served in our nation’s wars. Their sacrifices, courage and unwavering commitment to our country have inspired generations (hundreds of years later!) to continue to answer the call to serve with the same dedication and devotion to the mission.

This is a very special year in our military history, as we honor the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army and most importantly, the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Navy! As Captain Castinetti mentioned, we stand on the shoulders of giants, like Captain Thomas Hudner, who served with such distinction that the generations who follow are compelled to honor such an extraordinary legacy.

Legends like the Kasabuski brothers, whose story lives on, bringing community together at the rink. While they paid the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation during World War II, their service is not forgotten. I too grew up skating on that rink and I am humbled to know I played a small role keeping their legacy alive.

In fact, embedded in every Veteran’s service is a testament to those who served before. Furthermore, their legacy of service and sacrifice is upheld by all who take the time to come together at ceremonies and events like this, ensuring their service and sacrifice lives on in all of us.

The real-world events of the past 18 months further highlight the extraordinary legacy of service and sacrifice. After the events in Israel on October 7, 2023, followed quickly by the USS Carney engagements on October 19, 2023, the most intense combat engagement by a U.S. Navy warship since World War II, the dynamics of the Red Sea challenged the sea-lanes of communication and the free flow of commerce. During a time of significant uncertainty, there was one ship that was called upon to sail into combat alone with the threat of more attacks looming on the horizon. That ship was the mighty USS Thomas Hudner.

The battle space in the Red Sea was congested, unpredictable, uncomfortably hot, infested with flies the size of golf balls and complicated by civilian presence and activity. For much of the early stages of the conflict, THD operated alone inside the threat area surrounding the Bab el Mandeb Strait. Our primary focus was maintaining the sea-lanes of communication and ensuring the safe passage of all ships transiting through this strategic waterway. Of note, 40% of the world’s international trade passes through this waterway every year.

As history tells us, sailing into gunfire is nothing new for the United States Navy, but for the crew of the Thomas Hudner this was a first for many. In fact, most of the crew’s complement was under 25 years old; many were born after 9-11; and only a handful had seen a previous deployment. As young as they were, they were ready for anything that came their way. Courage like this is not developed overnight, but rather the product of growing up in communities like this where the value of service and sacrifice is upheld.

In the early morning hours of our first engagement, the battle space was different. Activity in the area had shifted and I was receiving more frequent reports from the Tactical Action Officer in combat. After a series of rapid-fire mandatory reports, he asked if I wanted him to keep calling, and I replied, no need, I am coming down to you. What started off initially as a feeling of uncertainty was quickly vindicated with increased abnormal activity in the area. The rhetoric in the area was also becoming more invasive, especially in light of a U.S. MQ-9 shot down – the first of the conflict. The sequence of events that unfolded leading up to the engagement was truly textbook. The coordination across theater assets and our ship was efficient and deliberate. It was clear the time was now. While our first missile reached its intended target, there was an insurmountable urge to chant, U –S – A, but I thought it best to support my crew and remain calm. My mother would expect a graceful winner, and I did want to disappoint. In the days and weeks that followed, there were more engagements, most notably on Thanksgiving morning, and other complex and dynamic mission sets would emerge.

The crew safeguarded the ship and company against multiple rockets launched one-way attack, unmanned aerial vehicles, ballistic missile launches, piracy operations and boarding missions. THD superbly employed THD’s weapon systems against airborne threats with zero damage to ship, crew or neutral shipping in the area. The crew also prevented civilian casualties from hostile action in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and Israel.

As a combat team, THD was awarded seven combat navy commendation medals, 10 combat navy achievement medals, the combat action ribbon and the Navy Unit Commendation for distinguishing themselves by outstanding heroism in action against enemy forces. To receive the NUC, a crew must have performed service of a character comparable to the Silver Star while acting uniformly as a team. Additionally, the crew was recently awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal for engaging in operations against armed opposition.

As a VERY proud Captain of her combat-tested crew, I thank you again for inviting me to spend time with all of you today. It is a true honor to celebrate the victories of my crew with all of you while honoring the heroes of our past. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.