The future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, was christened in a ceremony that underscored the enduring legacy of its namesake and the critical role of naval shipbuilding in national security. The event, held at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, brought together industry leaders, military officials, and the family of the late Senator Jeremiah Denton Jr., a Vietnam War veteran and former prisoner of war.
Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette opened the ceremony by honoring the shipbuilders and the spirit of Admiral Jeremiah Denton. “Today, we honor the skilled work of our Ingalls shipbuilders and the enduring spirit of Adm. Jeremiah Denton, a man who, under unimaginable pressure, exemplified strength, sacrifice, leadership, and resilience,” Blanchette said. The christening, he noted, celebrates a joint mission with Navy industry partners, connecting the work in Pascagoula to the safety and security of the nation and the free world.
Acting Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition Brett Seidle delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of naval ships and the legacy of the ship’s namesake. “Today we christen not just a ship, but we make a statement—a powerful steel forged testament to America’s resolve,” Seidle said. He highlighted that the future USS Jeremiah Denton will sail as a reminder to the world, much like her namesake, the United States does not back down. “The United States does not break, and we do not forget our heroes. That is the legacy that this warship carries forward.”
The ship’s co-sponsors and daughters of the namesake, Madeleine Denton Doak and Mary Denton Lewis, performed the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony against the bow to formally christen the ship. Madeleine represented the family by providing remarks and paying tribute to her late father and mother, who were Alabama natives. “This magnificent ship was built by their neighbors (Mississippi), men and women who understand their skills, hard work, and precise attention to detail that are vital in keeping our world safe,” she said.
The Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers represent the next generation of surface combatants, incorporating design modifications that provide significantly enhanced capabilities. Upgrades include the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System, essential for addressing evolving threats well into the 21st century. Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered 35 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the US Navy, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), in June 2023. Additionally, Ingalls has five Flight IIIs currently under construction, including the Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129).
The christening of the future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129) is more than a ceremonial milestone; it’s a testament to the ongoing evolution of naval technology and the enduring values of resilience and determination embodied by its namesake. As the Navy continues to integrate advanced capabilities into its fleet, the lessons learned from the christening of DDG 129 will likely influence future shipbuilding projects, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, innovation, and the human element in naval operations. The event serves as a reminder that the ships of tomorrow are built not just with steel and technology, but with the spirit of those who have served and continue to serve.