HII launches future USS Jeremiah Denton, third Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer

The ship was transferred from land to dry dock using translation railcars designed to support its weight during the move. Once secured in the dry dock, the destroyer was floated and guided to a pier by tugboats for the next phase of development.

“The launch of DDG 129 is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Ingalls shipbuilders and a collaborative achievement with our Navy partners,” said Ben Barnett, DDG Programme Manager at Ingalls Shipbuilding. “The future USS Jeremiah Denton will now undergo final outfitting, systems activation, and testing before entering the fleet.”

Named in honour of former U.S. Senator Jeremiah Denton Jr., the ship commemorates his distinguished military and political service. Denton, a decorated Vietnam War veteran and recipient of the Navy Cross, later represented Alabama in the U.S. Senate after retiring from the Navy.

The Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers are equipped with cutting-edge technology, including the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defence Radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System. These systems are designed to address evolving threats in the 21st century.

Ingalls Shipbuilding currently has five Flight III destroyers under construction: Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and Thad Cochran (DDG 135). The successful launch of DDG 129 reflects continued progress in this critical defence programme.