Keel laid for US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer George M. Neal

HII’ Ingalls Shipbuilding has held a keel-laying ceremony for US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guided missile destroyer George M. Neal (DDG 131).

George M. Neal (DDG 131) is the fourth Flight III destroyer to be constructed at Ingalls.

Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers incorporate a number of design modifications that collectively provide significantly enhanced capability including the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System.

The ship’s name honors George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran and an aviation machinist’s mate third class who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroic actions while attempting to rescue a fellow service member.

“Laying the keel of another Flight III DDG is a great way to celebrate the namesake of the ship and our world-class shipbuilders,” Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG-51 Program Manager Ben Barnett said.

“Our ship namesake displayed the kind of courage and leadership that inspires us at Ingalls to have the same dedication to our mission. We are so grateful to our ship sponsor for being a part of the life of this ship and for sharing her family’s legacy with us.”

The keel was officially laid on December 15.

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.