Protect Your People
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
It seems a good time to point out that the Flight I Burke USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) has long flown a beautiful green battle flag with the destroyer’s crest in the center. The crest includes four shamrocks that represent the Irish family and heritage of her namesake, LT William Charles Fitzgerald (USNA 1963), who earned a Navy Cross while serving as senior advisor to Vietnamese Navy Coastal Group Sixteen in 1967. The medal was posthumous.
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) returns to its homeport of Naval Base San Diego following operations in the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleets, Jan. 6, 2026. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Lordin Kelly VIRIN: 260106-N-WN039-1006)
Fitzgerald’s motto is “Protect your people,” that “also links the Fitzgerald’s ancient family history (when their Gallic war cry, ‘Croom a boo‘ meant “Defend the castle forever”) with the gallantry, fearless dedication to duty and extraordinary heroism exhibited by Lieutenant Fitzgerald and the time honored traditions of the United States Naval Service.”