Professor Woodward on the Naming of USS McClung
In a recent BU Today article, John Woodward, director of Boston University’s Division of Military Education and professor of the practice of international relations at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies, offered his insights on the Navy’s decision to name a new class of medium landing ships after fallen Marine Major Megan McClung.
The USS McClung will be the first in a new class of amphibious vessels designed to transport troops, equipment, and support humanitarian operations. This honor commemorates Major McClung, who became the first female Marine officer killed in Iraq War combat after completing her online master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University.
“As Major McClung was a truly exceptional Marine who made the supreme sacrifice in Iraq, this honor is fitting and appropriate,” Woodward noted in the article. He emphasized the significance of this recognition within the Navy’s vessel naming protocols, which designate medium landing ships to honor distinguished military service members.
Woodward highlighted the Marine Corps’ description of McClung’s leadership qualities: “She was the type of leader you followed because you wanted to, not because you had to, and her boldness and generosity left an impression with her Marines that will remain a hallmark of leadership and selfless service in their lives and ours.”
The USS McClung, scheduled for completion in 2029, represents one of 18 to 35 planned amphibious ships in its class. This naval tribute joins several other memorials established in McClung’s honor, including the naming of a broadcast studio near Baghdad International Airport, a leadership award at the Defense Information School in Maryland, and the annual Major Megan McClung Leadership Award presented by the Marine Corps.
As the director of BU’s Division of Military Education, Woodward’s comments reflect the university’s connection to McClung’s legacy and the significance of this naval honor in preserving the memory of an exceptional Marine officer, BU alumna, and pioneering military leader.