USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG-81)
The fourth US warship named after an Englishman, the USS Churchill (DDG-81) is a Flight IIA Burke-class destroyer. She is homeported at the Norfolk Naval Station.
She is operating in the Persian Gulf as part of Carrier Strike Group 10, part of the United States Fifth Fleet, the naval component of United States Central Command. Strike Group 10 is centered on the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75). Her administrative command, responsible for training and readiness, is Destroyer Squadron 26.
As a courtesy to the United Kingdom, a member of the Royal Navy is assigned to the ship's crew at all times.
Following 9/11 attack
Immediately before the 9-11 Attack, the German destroyer Lutjens, ironically named for the admiral who commanded the Bismarck on its final voyage, had been doing exercises, in the UK, with Churchill.
As Churchill got underway for emergency response, the Lutjens crew manned the rails, a naval custom showing respect. The white banner, held by the sailors on the upper deck, reads "we stand with you."