Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 251 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from March 13 to March 19. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
SAN ANTONIO – Federal prosecutors in the Western District of Texas filed 251 new immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from March 13 to March 19. Charges were brought against human smugglers and illegal aliens with past convictions for violent crimes, drug trafficking, numerous DUIs, theft, and multiple prior removals.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including ICE, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.
These cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.
Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Governor’s Public Safety Office (PSO) has awarded $116 million in grants to the City of Houston and the North Central Texas Council of Governments to provide additional safety personnel, equipment, and other public safety items to support security measures associated with FIFA World Cup events. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Governor’s Public Safety Office (PSO) has awarded $116 million in grants to the City of Houston and the North Central Texas Council of Governments to provide additional safety personnel, equipment, and other public safety items to support security measures associated with FIFA World Cup events.
“The FIFA World Cup coming to Texas gives our state a premier opportunity to showcase all it has to offer,” said Governor Abbott. “These public safety grants will help ensure that travelers visiting and traveling throughout Texas can enjoy our great state safely, will bolster Texas’ efforts to combat crime, and help prevent potential acts of violence. I thank our partners in the Trump Administration for helping prioritize the safety of our fellow Americans.”
The FIFA World Cup Grant Program, established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, provides $625 million in funding to host cities, through gubernatorially-designated State Administrative Agencies (SAAs). The funding will allow recipients to carry out the extensive security activities required to protect players, staff, attendees, venues, and critical infrastructure across the host cities, strengthening them against potential terrorist attacks.
Prices are flattening and even dropping in some areas, and houses are staying on the market considerably longer than a few years ago. Image for illustration purposes
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group. Courtesy Image
We are finally seeing some balance returning to the Texas housing market, although notable issues remain (particularly affordability and supply). Prices are flattening and even dropping in some areas, and houses are staying on the market considerably longer than a few years ago. However, the current situation is more a reflection of slowing economic growth than a massive correction, and some buyers are benefiting.
The housing market was dramatically affected by the pandemic, with a surge in demand for housing as people upsized to deal with work and school from home or to have more space during the disruption. Simultaneously, mortgage interest rates were historically low. Inventories fell, the market shifted dramatically toward sellers, and almost half of houses sold above list price in Texas and during summer months of 2021 and 2022 (with some far above due to bidding wars).
Recent statistics indicate that Texas is ahead of the nation in normalization of the housing cycle. Buyers who locked in rates below 3% during the pandemic have been somewhat stuck because mortgage interest now generally exceeds 6%, notably decreasing affordability. However, these effects have moderated to some extent. Listings are rising, and only about 11% of homes sold above list price last month.
Even with some calming, statewide median sale prices are only down 1% over the past year, though they have dropped significantly more in specific areas. That decline pales in comparison to the rapid escalation that occurred previously. In greater Austin, the pandemic boom was extreme, and the market has now moved into a correction phase, with sharply rising inventories and notable price declines. The Dallas-Fort Worth area market is cooling, but more stable than Austin, and the Houston and San Antonio areas are relatively normal.
Most houses are selling at some discount to list price after the negotiation process. That’s good news for buyers facing higher costs for insurance, taxes, and interest. Texas has long been known for housing affordability, but that is no longer universally true (although the situation in the state remains better than many competitive areas). About one-third of Texas households are paying in excess of 30% of income on housing; the situation is particularly difficult for renters (with over half spending at least 30%).
The housing market is essentially resetting after a historic bubble. In addition, current uncertainties such as the weakening economy and geopolitical conflict are putting a damper on purchase decisions. The higher cost of materials subject to tariffs and construction labor shortages from immigration policies have also slowed the pace of affordable inventory development. As long as the slide doesn’t become excessive and lengthy, it’s part of a necessary and normal adjustment after the frenzy of the past. Stay safe!
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Dr. M. Ray Perryman is President and Chief Executive Officer of The Perryman Group (www.perrymangroup.com), which has served the needs of over 3,000 clients over the past four decades.
Joaquin Spamer addresses a packed audience at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, emphasizing rapid execution and readiness as nearshoring accelerates in South Texas. Image Texas Border Business
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By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
McAllen, Texas – Valeo, a global automotive technology company founded in France, announced a $225 million investment over five years to build a 337,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in McAllen, with operations expected to begin in January 2027.
The company develops and manufactures automotive systems focused on electrification, driver assistance, and vehicle computing technologies. It operates globally as a supplier to major automakers and produces components that support safer, more connected, and more efficient vehicles.
An aerial rendering shows the Valeo facility under development at the Nearshoring Industrial Park in McAllen, a 337,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing site expected to begin operations in 2027. Image courtesy of CiL Capital
According to the announcement, the McAllen plant will produce “central compute” units for General Motors, which the company described as the “brain of the vehicle” and a core element of next-generation mobility systems.
Valeo employs tens of thousands of people worldwide and maintains operations across Europe, Asia, and North America, including an established presence in the United States since 1980. The company currently operates multiple production sites and research and development centers across the country, with its North American headquarters in Troy, Michigan, and additional engineering activities in San Mateo, California. Its U.S. operations support the production of systems including electronics, thermal management, lighting, and driver assistance technologies.
Globally, Valeo operates in nearly 30 countries with a broad industrial footprint that includes production plants and research centers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Major manufacturing and engineering hubs are located in countries such as France and Germany, as well as in China, where the company produces a wide range of automotive electronics, electrification systems, and advanced driver assistance technologies. Valeo also maintains a significant presence in Mexico, supporting a cross-border automotive supply chain that serves North American manufacturers.
The McAllen site will employ approximately 300 people once operational. The facility represents a shift toward higher-value, technology-focused manufacturing, centered on integrated computing systems that combine hardware and software to support next-generation vehicles.
The company selected McAllen for the project, citing a skilled workforce, a supportive business environment, and coordination with local and state partners. It said the region’s readiness and access to talent were key factors in the decision, along with its strategic location near existing manufacturing activity along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Local industrial development efforts have also helped position the region for investment. CiL Capital, led by President and CEO Joaquin Spamer, has advanced site readiness in anticipation of increased nearshoring activity. The firm developed the Nearshoring Industrial Park in McAllen as part of a strategy to provide shovel-ready sites designed to meet the pace and requirements of manufacturers relocating operations closer to the U.S. market.
Valeo described the project as a long-term investment in South Texas, aimed at creating sustained career opportunities and strengthening workforce pipelines. The company said it intends to work with local institutions such as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and South Texas College to support training and employment pathways.
The investment was presented as part of Valeo’s bigger strategy to expand advanced manufacturing capabilities in North America and to support automakers with emerging vehicle technologies, particularly as the industry transitions toward software-defined, more highly automated vehicles.
Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) announced that Trustee Diana Y. Serna has resigned from the PSJA ISD Board of Trustees. Image courtesy of PSJA ISDBgd for illustration purposes
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Pharr-San Juan-Alamo Independent School District (PSJA ISD) announced that Trustee Diana Y. Serna has resigned from the PSJA ISD Board of Trustees, effective immediately, due to health concerns and a desire to ensure the role continues to be served with the time and attention it deserves.
PSJA ISD extended its sincere appreciation to Trustee Diana Y. Serna for over 3.5 years of service since 2022, including her leadership as Secretary, Vice President and President, and her dedication to the students, staff, families, and community.
“Our PSJA Family is grateful to Trustee Serna for her contributions and partnership in advancing opportunities for our students,” said Superintendent Dr. Alejandro Elias. “We wish her the very best as she focuses on her health and well-being. PSJA ISD will continue to move forward with a strong focus on student success, stability, and service to our community, working collaboratively with the Board to ensure continuity and progress across our district.”
With her resignation, a vacancy now exists on the PSJA ISD Board of Trustees. The Board will address the vacancy in accordance with applicable law and district policy and will share additional information as it becomes available.
PSJA ISD remains committed to maintaining continuity in governance and to continuing its focus on student success and service to the community.
Jeffrey Shay, Group President of Valeo North America. Image Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
McAllen’s success in landing Valeo’s new advanced manufacturing plant came down to one theme repeated throughout the company’s March 24, 2026, groundbreaking ceremony: the City of McAllen, the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, and CiL Capital worked in close coordination and moved “at the speed of business,” as CiL Capital President and CEO Joaquin Spamer put it.
Investor representatives, McAllen city leadership, McAllen EDC officials, and CiL Capital President Joaquin Spamer break ground on Valeo’s new advanced manufacturing facility as the full McAllen City Commission stands behind them in support. Image Texas Border Business
Valeo, the French automotive technology company, is investing $225 million over five years in a 337,000-square-foot facility in McAllen, according to Jeffrey Shay, Group President of Valeo North America. Shay said the plant will produce “central compute” units for General Motors that serve as the “brain of the vehicle” and support the next generation of safer and smarter mobility.
City Manager Ike Tawil said the project is “the largest single industrial investment in Hidalgo County history.” In the context of the region’s industrial development, officials presented it as a project of a magnitude not seen in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley in more than 30 years.
State, county, and local leaders join Valeo executives and project partners at the groundbreaking ceremony, including Aaron Demerson, County Judge Richard Cortez, City Manager Ike Tawil, Mayor Javier Villalobos, Valeo’s Jeffrey Shay and Francois, McAllen EDC CEO Elizabeth Suarez, CiL Capital’s Joaquin Spamer, and MEDC COO Ralph Garcia. Image by Texas Border Business
The public message from city, county, and state officials was that McAllen did not win the project with promises alone. It won it through readiness, infrastructure, and execution. Spamer said companies decide where to invest based on “results,” adding that “companies invest in places where projects can move forward and where partners know how to deliver at the speed of business.”
That readiness began with the site itself. Spamer said the project was possible because “the groundwork was ready in place,” and described the property as “shovel-ready.” He said utilities, streets, and planning were already aligned so the project could move forward with confidence. He also said CiL Capital’s McAllen Nearshoring Industrial Park was designed for projects like Valeo’s, offering “an all-around solution for manufacturing companies to move quickly.”
The site was not a generic industrial building. Spamer said the project is a “build-to-suit facility designed specifically for Valeo’s needs,” meeting Valeo’s internal standards, FM Global and CTPAT requirements, with ISO 8 and ISO 9 clean rooms, 350 parking spaces, 12 dock doors, and capacity for 300 employees.
Rendering of Valeo’s future 337,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility in McAllen, Texas, to be constructed at the McAllen Nearshoring Industrial Park. Courtesy Image
He said central compute production required “precision manufacturing environments,” including controlled cleanroom zones, a 5,000 KVA electrical service with dual 2,500 KVA transformers, column-mounted IDF cabinets, and full fiber and data infrastructure.
The facility also features specialized HVAC zoning, controlled temperatures, masonry-enclosed rooms for electrical, IT, chemical storage, and compressors, along with ESD flooring, an FM Global 1-120-compliant roof, fire suppression systems, and integrated systems tailored to Valeo’s processes.
McAllen EDC leaders said the project was the result of sustained relationship-building and fast coordination. Ralph Garcia, chief operating officer of the McAllen EDC, said the opportunity began with a business retention and expansion contract in Mexico and later shifted into a U.S. competition. “This wasn’t a Mexico expansion. This was a United States project, and we were competing,” Garcia said. He said McAllen responded with site visits, infrastructure evaluations, workforce alignment, industrial partners, construction coordination, and relocation support.
Alternate rendering view of Valeo’s advanced manufacturing facility under development at the McAllen Nearshoring Industrial Park in McAllen, Texas. Courtesy Image
Garcia said that in 24 years of working in economic development in Hidalgo County, the Valeo project “represents the largest industrial investment opportunity our region has ever seen.” He said McAllen’s approach is not transactional. “We don’t just provide information,” Garcia said. “We take the time to understand what the prospective companies are trying to accomplish, their timelines, their workforce needs, and their operational goals.”
That same message came from McAllen EDC Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Suarez, who said the project reflects the region’s ability to deliver for investors while creating opportunities for local families. Suarez said the partnership with Valeo has been “genuinely rewarding” and described the company as “thoughtful, visionary, and focused.” She said the project represents more than a facility because it creates “access to education, to careers, and to upward mobility” for the local workforce.
Mayor Javier Villalobos tied the announcement to a broader economic shift in the local economy. He said the Rio Grande Valley is no longer what it was 30 years ago and pointed to the shift “from agriculture to service to now, advanced manufacturing by a company such as Valeo.” He said the project aligns with his goal of bringing jobs and opportunities to local families and thanked Valeo for choosing McAllen over other locations.
Valeo North America Group President Jeffrey Shay and McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos at the groundbreaking ceremony for Valeo’s new advanced manufacturing facility in McAllen, Texas. Image by Texas Border Business
Tawil said Valeo’s selection of McAllen was deliberate and based on competitive advantages, logistics connectivity, and the city’s ability to support advanced manufacturing. He said McAllen had invested in “infrastructure, utilities, drainage capacity, roadway access, and streamlined permitting processes to support projects just like this.” He added that industrial expansion succeeds when a city aligns planning, engineering, utilities, and inspections with private-sector partners, and said, “That alignment is what made today possible.”
Valeo’s own leadership said the local response helped make the decision easier. Shay said McAllen offered “the workforce, we have the amazing community, we have the overall readiness.” He also said that from the beginning, officials and partners at every level met the company “with determination, commitment, and certainly a lot of enthusiasm.” He thanked CiL Capital and Spamer directly, saying, “Your commitment to this project ensures that we have a world-class facility that matches our world-class technology.”
Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez said companies now choose regions, not just cities, and that the Valeo project shows the Rio Grande Valley is ready to compete for advanced industry. He said the investment will connect the local workforce to the global automotive and technology supply chain and give young people a chance to build careers in the Valley instead of leaving it.
Spamer said no one builds projects like this alone. He repeatedly credited the city, the EDC, and public and private partners for moving in sync. “When partners align, projects move at the speed of business,” he said.
That alignment appears to be the central fact behind Valeo’s decision. McAllen had a shovel-ready industrial site, prepared infrastructure, and a development partner ready to deliver a highly specialized facility on a compressed schedule. The city and its economic development team matched that with fast coordination and direct support. For a project officials described as the largest industrial investment in Hidalgo County history and one of the largest scales not seen locally in more than three decades, the closing message from the ceremony was clear: McAllen landed Valeo because its public and private partners were ready to act together and move.
The 12th annual South Texas All Hazards Conference (STAHC) will take place March 24-26, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center. Courtesy image.
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The 12th annual South Texas All Hazards Conference (STAHC) will take place March 24-26, 2026, at the McAllen Convention Center. As the second-largest emergency response training event in Texas, STAHC is expected to welcome more than 3,000 professionals representing public health, public safety, law enforcement, emergency management, public works, and educational institutions.
Aligned with the National Incident Management System (NIMS), this year’s theme, Preparing South Texas for What’s Next, emphasizes strengthening regional readiness through training, collaboration, and shared resources.
“As the challenges facing our communities evolve, so must our level of preparedness,” said Hidalgo County Emergency Management Coordinator Ricardo Saldaña. “This conference brings together every discipline involved in emergency response so we can train under a unified framework, strengthen communication, and build the relationships that make a real difference when seconds count.”
STAHC brings together professionals across five educational tracks in Leadership, Public Health, Emergency Management, Public Works, and Law Enforcement to share best practices, address emerging threats, and apply knowledge through real-world case studies, with select sessions offering continuing education credits.
“Preparing South Texas for what’s next means strengthening the systems that protect our communities before a crisis occurs,” said Dairen Sarmiento, Director of Hidalgo County Health and Human Services. “STAHC creates the space for leaders across disciplines to align strategies, enhance coordination, and build a more resilient region capable of responding to complex and evolving threats.”
Conference Highlights
• Keynote speaker and plenary session: Wed., March 25 at 8:30 a.m.
• Five educational tracks: Public Health, Emergency Management, Law Enforcement, Leadership, Public Works and Unique Populations
• Over 100 expert presenters from TDEM, CBP, NWS, DSHS, DPS, FEMA, FBI, Coast Guard, and more.
• Immunization Summit focused on overcoming vaccination challenges
• RespondHER Summit aims to foster leadership and empower women across industries
• Special Topics: Resilient Leadership in Times of Crisis: Plan, Prepare, and Execute; Active Shooter Prevention & Response; New World Screwworms; Human Trafficking Awareness; Using AI to Enhance Emergency Management; and emergency response strategies for individuals with hearing, vision, and mobility impairments.
Registration & Logistics This conference is for local, state, and federal personnel involved in emergency response, including natural and man-made disasters. All attendees must present affiliation or agency ID at check-in. The conference is closed to the public.
Hotel Accommodations
Special STAHC rates available at La Quinta, Embassy Suites, Cambria, Home2 Suites, and Aloft. Mention “STAHC Conference” when booking.
Amid a steady flow of Spring break traffic, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to Progreso Port of Entry this weekend apprehended two individuals wanted on outstanding felony warrants for a variety of sex-related offenses. Image for illustration purposes
Texas Border Business
PROGRESO, Texas – Amid a steady flow of Spring break traffic, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to Progreso Port of Entry this weekend apprehended two individuals wanted on outstanding felony warrants for a variety of sex-related offenses.
“In less than 48 hours and facing significant flows of Spring break traffic, our frontline CBP officers detained two individuals wanted on outstanding felony warrants for sex-related offenses,” said Port Director Michael Martinez, Progreso Port of Entry. “Apprehensions of individuals wanted on warrants for crimes of a sexual nature are among the most heinous types of offenses we encounter and perfectly illustrate the vital border security aspect of our mission.”
On March 13, CBP officers at Donna International Bridge referred vehicle passenger Raul Ramos Perez, 87, a United States citizen, for secondary inspection. During secondary examination, CBP officers utilizing biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases, verified his identity and discovered that he was the subject of an active felony warrant for sexual abuse of a child, issued by the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office. CBP officers turned Ramos Perez over to Donna police officers for adjudication of the warrant.
On March 14, CBP officers at Progreso International Bridge referred a pedestrian, Vicente Reyes Guzman, 42, a lawful permanent U.S. resident, for secondary inspection. During secondary examination, CBP officers utilizing biometric verification and federal law enforcement databases verified his identity and discovered that he was the subject of an active felony warrant for lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, issued by the Magistrate Court in Burlington, Iowa. CBP officers confirmed the warrant and turned Reyes Guzman over to Hidalgo County sheriff’s deputies for adjudication of the warrant.
The National Crime Information Center is a centralized automated database designed to share information among law enforcement agencies including outstanding warrants for a wide range of offenses. Based on information from NCIC, CBP officers have made previous arrests of individuals wanted for homicide, escape, money laundering, robbery, narcotics distribution, sexual child abuse, fraud, larceny, and military desertion. Criminal charges are merely allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
The U.S. Department of Education (the Department)’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Letter of Impending Enforcement Action to San Jose State University (SJSU) for its ongoing refusal to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX). Image: Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
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U.S. Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education (the Department)’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) issued a Letter of Impending Enforcement Action to San Jose State University (SJSU) for its ongoing refusal to comply with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX).
In January, the Department found that SJSU’s policies allowing males to compete in women’s sports and access female-only facilities deny women equal educational opportunities and benefits. OCR submitted to SJSU a proposed Resolution Agreement with terms that would have resolved its Title IX violations. SJSU refused to sign it or attempt to negotiate its terms, and has taken no other action to ensure the safety of its female students and deliver equal educational opportunities.
“We have provided SJSU with multiple opportunities to resolve its Title IX violations with common sense actions: separating male and female athletes based on their biological sex, keeping men out of women’s locker rooms and bathrooms, restoring rightfully-earned titles and accolades to female athletes, and apologizing to the women forced to forfeit competitions to protect themselves. Yet, SJSU remains obstinate, choosing a radical ideology over safety, dignity, and fairness for its own students,” said Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey. “With today’s action, the Department is putting the university on notice: comply with the law or risk losing its federal funding.”
SJSU has 10 calendar days to come into compliance or face enforcement action, including referral to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and risk of termination of SJSU’s federal funding.
Background
OCR found that beginning in 2022, SJSU actively recruited and allowed a male to compete on the women’s indoor and beach volleyball teams and reportedly instructed members of the coaching staff not to tell the female players that the athlete was a male. As a result, female athletes on the team shared women’s locker rooms and hotel rooms with the male student while being unaware that he is a member of the opposite sex.
In addition to privacy concerns, the presence of this male athlete presented a safety concern for female athletes and provided SJSU’s volleyball team with an unfair physical advantage over opposing teams. On multiple occasions, the male athlete spiked the ball so forcefully that it knocked females on the opposing team to the ground. During one season, seven all-women’s teams from other universities forfeited their competitions, accepting a loss rather than competing against a male.
OCR concluded that SJSU also violated Title IX by failing to promptly and equitably investigate Title IX complaints filed by SJSU female athletes about the presence of the male on their team and by taking action that discouraged women from participating in the Title IX process. In addition, days after a SJSU female volleyball player joined a Title IX lawsuit against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), she discovered that the male student had conspired to have a member of the opposing team spike her in the face during an upcoming match. SJSU did not investigate the conspiracy, but later subjected this female athlete to a Title IX complaint for reportedly “misgendering” the male athlete when discussing this incident in online videos and interviews.
Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance.
Sailors assigned to the future destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. handle lines as the warship moors at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 20, 2026. Photo credit: Navy Seaman Apprentice Jackson C. Rott via US DOW
The Navy’s newest destroyer, the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr., arrived at its home port, Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, March 20, ahead of its commissioning ceremony, scheduled for April 11.
The warship’s namesake, retired Marine Corps Col. Harvey Curtiss Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, was on the pier to welcome the ship and its crew.
Retired Marine Corps Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, addresses the crew of the future destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 20, 2026. The warship arrived in Norfolk ahead of its commissioning scheduled for April 11, 2026. Photo credit: Navy Seaman Apprentice Jackson C. Rott via US DOW
“To be on the pier and welcome this incredible crew to their new home port is monumental,” Barnum said. “This warship represents the enduring bond between the Marine Corps and the Navy, and I have the utmost confidence in the crew to carry on the legacy of service and courage that defines our naval forces. I look forward to seeing them ‘bring her to life’ and join the fleet.”
The destroyer is the first ship to bear Barnum’s name. It honors his gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life beyond the call of duty during the Vietnam War.
On Dec. 18, 1965, then-1st Lt. Barnum assumed command of his company after the commander was mortally wounded. With two helicopters under his control, he moved fearlessly through deadly fire to lead air attacks against the enemy’s well-entrenched positions while directing one platoon in a successful counterattack on the key positions.
Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Kenson Jacques greets Martha Hill, wife of retired Marine Corps Col. Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient, on the pier at Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 20, 2026 Photo credit: Navy Seaman Apprentice Jackson C. Rott Via US DOW
Having cleared a small area, Barnum requested and directed the landing of two transport helicopters to evacuate the deceased and wounded. He then assisted in accomplishing the battalion’s objective. He is among the few living namesakes to witness his warship’s commissioning.
“It is an honor to bring this warship to Norfolk and to be welcomed by Col. Barnum himself. His heroism is the standard we strive to meet every day,” said Navy Cmdr. Benjamin R. Cantu, the ship’s commanding officer. “This crew has trained relentlessly to prepare for this moment. We are ready to join the fleet and carry the name of a true American hero as we defend our nation’s interests around the globe.”
The future destroyer USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. arrives at its home port of Naval Station Norfolk, Va., March 20, 2026. Photo credit: :Navy Seaman Apprentice Jackson C. Rott via US DOW
The warship’s sponsor is Barnum’s wife, Martha Hill, who has maintained a close relationship with the crew since the keel-laying ceremony in 2021. In keeping with naval tradition, she will give the order during the commissioning to “man our ship and bring her to life.” At that command, the crew will hoist the commissioning pennant, and the USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. will officially become a warship in the Navy’s fleet.
The ship is designed to conduct a wide range of maritime operations, including antiair warfare, antisubmarine warfare and antisurface warfare in support of national security and global maritime stability. Once commissioned, the warship will be capable of operating independently or as part of a carrier strike group, surface action group or an expeditionary strike group.
