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John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administ…
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration
USS Bainbridge Medallion
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; National Archives Records Administration

USS Bainbridge Medallion

Artifact IDMO 63.713
Object Type Medal, Commemorative
Date ca. 1962
Medium Bronze
DimensionsOverall: 3 in. (7.6 cm)
Physical DescriptionBronze medal commemorating U.S.S. Bainbridge, the first nuclear frigate. Obverse is embossed: USS Bainbridge/Mobility/Endurance/Versatility. Reverse embossed: World's First Nuclear Powered Frigate/USS Bainbridge DLG(N) 25 Built by Bethlehem Steel CO/Quincy Yard 1962/John F. Kennedy
Historical NoteThe keel for the USS Bainbridge was laid on May 14, 1959 at the Bethlehem Steel Company, Fore River Shipyard in Quincy, MA. The ship was the world's first nuclear frigate. The ship was launched in April 1961 and was commissioned on October 6, 1962 with ceremonies held in Quincy, MA. The ship was named for Commodore William Bainbridge, and was the fourth Naval vessel to be named after the Commodore. The ship was decommissioned in May of 1995.
Additional Details
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
Not on view