The US Navy has taken delivery of USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, from HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division.
The delivery of DDG 128 marks the official transfer of the ship from the shipbuilder to the navy. Delivery follows a rigorous series of at-sea and pier-side trials designed to demonstrate the ship’s readiness and performance across propulsion, combat systems, communications, and navigation functions.
The future USS Ted Stevens represents the next generation of surface combatants for the US Navy, featuring the second-in-class Flight III AN/SPY-6 (V)1 radar system and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system.
The ship is named in honor of former United States Senator from Alaska, Ted Stevens. Stevens was the longest-serving Republican US Senator in history during his tenure. He served as the president pro tempore of the United States Senate in the 108th and 109th Congresses and was the third US Senator to hold the title of president pro tempore emeritus.
“The delivery of the future USS Ted Stevens will provide our Fleet with another critical warship with advanced capabilities,” said Capt. Jay Young , Arleigh Burke-class Program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships.
“DDG 128 will further strengthen our at sea advantage and serve as an enduring reminder of the ship’s namesake and his dedicated service to our Nation.”
“The delivery of Ted Stevens reflects the strong momentum of our destroyer program as we accelerate Flight III production and bring enhanced capabilities to the fleet,” said Brian Blanchette , Ingalls Shipbuilding president.
“We are honored to deliver DDG 128 to the Navy knowing that it will stand as a powerful asset in strengthening U.S. maritime security for decades to come.”
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division is also in production on the future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), USS George M. Neal (DDG 131), USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) and USS Thad Cochran (DDG 135).
To date, Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered 36 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the US Navy, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125).