US Navy Names Destroyer in Honor of SC War Hero Kyle Carpenter

The U.S. Navy has announced that its newest destroyer will be named after South Carolina war hero and Medal of Honor recipient, Marine Lance Corporal Kyle Carpenter. The new Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, to be built at Bath Iron Works in Maine, will be named the USS Kyle Carpenter.

The honor recognizes Carpenter’s extraordinary act of valor during a 2010 deployment to Afghanistan’s Helmand Province. At just 21 years old, he deliberately shielded a fellow Marine from a live grenade blast, absorbing the full impact. The blast caused severe injuries, including the loss of his right eye, and required years of recovery and dozens of surgeries.

In 2014, Carpenter was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his selfless act. He later earned a degree from the University of South Carolina, where he received a standing ovation at his graduation ceremony. The Batesburg-Leesville native has since become a motivational speaker and author.

The USS Kyle Carpenter will be a modern destroyer equipped with multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, including advanced anti-air, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare systems. The Navy’s policy is to name its destroyers after service members who have demonstrated heroism and valor.