HII splashes new US destroyer Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121)

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division launched the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guided missile destroyer Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) on July 13.

“We are proud to have DDG 121 one step closer to completion and look forward to presenting this invaluable asset to the Navy fleet in the future,” Brian Cuccias, Ingalls Shipbuilding President, commented.

Frank E. Petersen Jr. was translated via Ingalls’ rail car system to a floating dry dock. Once on, the dry dock was moved away from the pier, and it was ballasted down to float the ship.

“Launch and translation are always exciting turning points in the life of a ship. Our team works vigorously to ensure everything is in place in for weeks leading up to launch to ensure its success,” George Nungesser, Ingalls’ DDG program manager, said.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are multi-mission ships and can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection. The guided missile destroyers are capable of simultaneously fighting air, surface and subsurface battles. The ship contains offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs.

To date, Ingalls has delivered 30 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the US Navy, most recently delivering USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), which was commissioned on March 24. Other destroyers currently under construction at Ingalls include Paul Ignatius (DDG 117), Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) and Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125).