The destroyers completed their Depot Modernization Periods under the DDG Modernization 2.0 program. The effort focuses on mid-life capability enhancements for Flight IIA destroyers and includes the integrated SLQ-32(V)7 Electronic Warfare suite.
“This destroyer modernization effort is the cornerstone of increasing service life and delivering decisive combat power to the US Navy via our Flight IIA destroyers,” said Capt. Tim Moore, program manager, Destroyer Modernization 2.0. “We focused on opportunities to shift milestones supporting acquisition, planning and execution left to provide these game-changing capabilities to the operators sooner.”
“The DDG MOD 2.0 program remains a top priority as the Navy continues to build and sustain a lethal, resilient, and rapidly adaptable force.” The Navy said the completed work on DDG 93 and DDG 95 reflects the program’s focus on delivering upgraded combat capability to the fleet.
The Depot Modernization Periods involved extensive structural work and integration by Navy personnel and industry partners. Delivery of the two destroyers was supported by lead maintenance activity partners at General Dynamics NASSCO and Navy supervisory activities at Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center and Southwest Regional Maintenance Center.
Installation teams across government and industry groups also contributed to the work. The Navy said the effort required close coordination across maintenance, acquisition and technical organizations.
“The teamwork, technical expertise, and disciplined execution demonstrated by MARMC, SWRMC and our industry partners were essential to delivering these advanced capabilities to the Fleet. Their efforts ensure our Sailors have more capable, combat-ready ships prepared to operate in an increasingly challenging maritime environment,” said Rear Adm. Dan Lannamann, commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center.
The modernization work builds on the program’s first comparable package installed aboard USS Pinckney. The Navy said both waterfront teams demonstrated continuous learning during the modernization of USS Chung-Hoon and USS James E. Williams.
The Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Maritime is the single accountable organization for delivering surface ships for the U.S. Navy. The Navy said this centralized organization is intended to give leaders broader scope and greater authority to accelerate delivery of combat capability.
The construct is also intended to ensure acquisition speed and discipline are guided by warfighter needs. The modernization of the two destroyers reflects that approach by delivering upgraded systems to ships already in the fleet.
MARMC and SWRMC are field activities under PAE Industrial Operations. They provide surface ship maintenance, oversight of private-sector repair work and fleet technical assistance to ships.
The Navy said the completed upgrades strengthen the destroyer fleet’s ability to operate in an increasingly challenging maritime environment. The modernization effort supports longer service life and improved combat readiness for two Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
