USS Robert E. Simanek ESB-7 US Navy Ship Patch

The USS Robert E. Simanek (ESB-7) is more than a ship; she is a living tribute to American heroism, resilience, and honor at sea. As the fifth vessel of the Montford Point-class expeditionary sea base ships, the Simanek was designed to embody flexibility and strength, capable of launching joint military missions, supporting special operations, and providing humanitarian aid wherever her presence is needed. But behind her steel walls and cutting-edge technology, the heart of this ship is its name—a name that recalls an act of astonishing bravery during one of the toughest moments in American military history.

That name belongs to Private First Class Robert Ernest Simanek, a young Marine who served with distinction during the Korean War. On August 18, 1952, amid the chaos of the Battle of Bunker Hill, Simanek found himself with his patrol in a forward outpost, suddenly under assault from enemy grenade fire. Without hesitation, when a grenade landed among his comrades, Simanek threw himself on top of it, absorbing the explosion to save their lives. Against incredible odds, he survived the blast, his selfless act sparing his fellow Marines and earning him the Medal of Honor, presented by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1953.

The ship that bears his name was christened in May 2024 and delivered to the U.S. Navy later that year. At 785 feet in length and nearly 90,000 tons when fully loaded, the USS Robert E. Simanek is a modern marvel—a floating command center with room for hundreds of personnel, a state-of-the-art flight deck for V-22 Osprey aircraft, and mission capabilities ranging from special operations support to disaster relief and military logistics. Every aspect of this ship’s design is built for adaptability, enabling her to respond swiftly to crises and project U.S. Navy power around the world.

But what truly sets the USS Robert E. Simanek apart is what she represents. Her namesake’s act of sacrifice is a guiding example for all who serve aboard her—reminding everyone that heroism is found in selflessness and that greatness often comes from the willingness to protect others, no matter the personal cost. Wherever the Simanek sails, she stands as a floating testament to the courage and commitment of everyday Americans, ready to make a difference in the world just as her namesake did decades ago.