“We have achieved a pivotal milestone with our Navy and industry partners to advance this complex modernization work that will set a precedent for the Zumwalt class,” said Brian Blanchette, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding. “I’m very proud of the team effort and their critical role to advance the U.S. Navy’s first warship with hypersonic capabilities.”
USS Zumwalt, the lead ship of the Zumwalt-class destroyers, arrived at the Pascagoula shipyard in August 2023 and was moved onto land shortly thereafter to begin major technology upgrades. The work included integrating the Conventional Prompt Strike weapon system, replacing the original twin 155mm Advanced Gun Systems with new missile tubes, and completing additional preparations after the ship was undocked in December 2024.
In parallel, USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002) is undergoing CPS weapon system integration at Ingalls, while USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) is scheduled to receive the CPS system during a future availability. Zumwalt-class destroyers feature advanced electric propulsion, a wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design, and modern warfighting systems designed to support a wide range of future Navy missions.
