HII delivers 1st Flight III destroyer to US Navy

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division has delivered the first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) to the U.S. Navy.

As disclosed, the delivery ceremony took place on 27 June at the company’s yard. Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) is the first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer being built for the U.S. Navy by Ingalls and incorporates a number of design modifications that collectively provide significantly enhanced capability.

DDG 125 contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.

Flight III configured destroyers include the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System.

“Delivering the first Flight III ship reflects the relentless efforts of our shipbuilders and those of our Navy and supplier partners,” said Kari Wilkinson, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding.

“We are committed to maintaining a consistent and resilient destroyer production team in order to be ready to support the Navy and our country.”

Ingalls has delivered 35 destroyers to the U.S. Navy including DDG 125, with four Flight IIIs currently under construction including Ted Stevens (DDG 128), which is scheduled to be christened in August. Additionally Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131) and Sam Nunn (DDG 133) are under construction at Ingalls. 

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships and can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection.