A new US naval vessel, the USS Patrick Gallagher, was officially christened in honour of Co Mayo man, Patrick ‘Bob’ Gallagher, who died in the Vietnam War. Born in 1944 in Derrintogher near Ballyhaunis, he later emigrated to Long Island and enlisted in the US Marines during the Vietnam War. Gallagher was awarded the Navy Cross medal for bravery in 1966 but tragically died in an ambush in Danang at the age of 23.
In a rare honour for a non-US citizen, the $2.3 billion USS Patrick Gallagher was officially christened in Bath, Maine, attended by Gallagher’s sisters and brother. The vessel will be affectionately known as Bob’s ship, in tribute to his spirit and legacy. The naming of the ship was a result of a long campaign led by Gallagher’s family and was attended by Minister of State Seán Fleming.
A plaque in Ballyhaunis commemorates Gallagher, a proud Mayo man, and the community gathered to watch the ceremony via live stream. The US navy hopes that Bob’s ship will protect all who sail onboard in remembrance of Patrick Gallagher’s bravery and sacrifice.
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