US Navy dedicates ship to McCain

The U.S. Navy dedicated one of its guided missile destroyers to Sen. John McCain on Thursday. 

The ship is one of the of two destroyers that were involved in fatal accidents last year in the Pacific.

“Today, we add the story of Senator John S. McCain to the spirit of the mighty vessel which already carries the legacy of his father and grandfather,” Navy Secretary Richard Spencer said of the honor in a press release. 

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“As a warrior and a statesman who has always put country first, Sen. John McCain never asked for this honor, and he would never seek it. But we would be remiss if we did not etch his name alongside his illustrious forebears, because this country would not be the same were it not for the courageous service of all three of these great men,” Spencer continued.

According to the Associated Press, the ship was first named after McCain’s father and grandfather after it launched in 1994. 

All three generations of McCains have the same name and served in the Navy.

McCain thanked the military branch in a statement on Twitter.

“I’m deeply honored to be added to the USS John S McCain namesake along with my heroes, my father & grandfather,” McCain said.

“I hope the sailors who will serve aboard the USS McCain will find the same fulfillment as my family in serving a cause greater than oneself,” the Arizona Republican, who is battling cancer, added.

I’m deeply honored to be added to the USS John S McCain namesake along with my heroes, my father & grandfather. I hope the sailors who will serve aboard the USS McCain will find the same fulfillment as my family in serving a cause greater than oneself. https://t.co/v6KsPMq4Rq pic.twitter.com/HGFVvrwxq7

— John McCain (@SenJohnMcCain) July 12, 2018

McCain is battling an aggressive form of brain cancer at his home in Arizona.