The ship‘s name carries deep historical resonance. It honours the Battle of Derna (1805) during the First Barbary War (Tripolitan War).

In one of the young United States‘ first overseas land battles, a small force of US Marines, soldiers, and international mercenaries led by William Eaton marched across the desert and captured the Libyan port city of Derna from forces of the Pasha of Tripoli.

The victory helped force a peace treaty, ending tribute demands on American shipping and securing safer Mediterranean trade routes.