The U.S. sovereignty to the far corners of the Earth," Adm. Vernon E. Clark, USN, chief of naval operations, said during christening ceremonies in Pascagoula, Miss. on Dec. 15 for the ship built by Northrop Grumman Corporation's Ingalls Operations. Adm. Clark was the principal speaker at ceremonies for the new Aegis guided missile destroyer, which is named for a family of Naval war heroes spanning a century of service to Navy and country. The Mustin is the 18th Aegis destroyer to be built by the company's Ingalls Operations. "America is a global power ... and responsibilities come with our status," Adm. Clark said. "America's standing starts with sea power ... power that is fundamental to the security and prosperity of our nation.