During the second round of trials, the Ingalls and U.S. Navy team conducted further testing on the ship’s hull, mechanical, electrical, and combat systems. These included assessments of the Flight III AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, both critical to the destroyer’s operational readiness.
“The Ingalls and Navy team demonstrated tremendous teamwork during this trial and are fully committed to delivering DDG 128 to the fleet,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG Programme Manager Ben Barnett. “As we move forward, our focus remains on ensuring that every system is thoroughly tested and fully operational as we progress toward readiness for acceptance trials. I extend my gratitude to our test and trials team for their contributions to the ongoing success of the destroyer program.”
The Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers mark the next generation of surface combatants for the U.S. Navy, featuring a range of design enhancements to boost capability. Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered 35 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to date, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), and currently has five more under construction.
Among these are Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and Thad Cochran (DDG 135), the last of which recently authenticated its keel on 23 October. Ingalls Shipbuilding, the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, has been designing and building destroyers for the U.S. Navy for over 86 years.
