The delivery of the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) marks a significant milestone for Ingalls Shipbuilding and the US Navy, underscoring the accelerating pace of the destroyer program and the enhanced capabilities being brought to the fleet. Brian Blanchette, Ingalls Shipbuilding president, expressed pride in the delivery, stating, “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. We are honored to deliver DDG 128 to the Navy, knowing that it will stand as a powerful asset in strengthening US maritime security for decades to come.”
The 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. These advanced systems are designed to counter a wide array of threats well into the 21st century, ensuring that the US Navy remains at the forefront of maritime defense.
At Ingalls Shipbuilding, the momentum doesn’t stop with the delivery of the Ted Stevens. There are four more Flight III destroyers currently under fabrication: Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and Thad Cochran (DDG 135). Additionally, seven more destroyers are in the early pre-planning stages of construction: John F. Lehman (DDG 137), Telesforo Trinidad (DDG 139), Ernest E. Evans (DDG 141), Charles French (DDG 142), Richard J. Danzig (DDG 143), Intrepid (DDG 145), and Robert Kerrey (DDG 146).
To meet the increased demand for ships by the US Navy, Ingalls Shipbuilding has embarked on a distributed shipbuilding initiative. This strategy aims to improve schedule adherence for all ships built at Ingalls by partnering with shipyards and fabricators beyond the company’s traditional labor market. This collaborative approach not only enhances production efficiency but also ensures that the Navy receives its ships on time and to the highest standards.
Ingalls Shipbuilding has a proven track record of delivering top-notch destroyers to the US Navy. To date, the company has delivered 36 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), and now the Ted Stevens (DDG 128). Each of these ships brings advanced capabilities to the fleet, ensuring that the US Navy can effectively counter evolving threats.
The delivery of the USS Ted Stevens is a testament to the strong momentum and strategic vision of Ingalls Shipbuilding. As the company continues to accelerate the production of Flight III destroyers and explore new shipbuilding initiatives, it is clear that the future of US maritime security is in capable hands. For more information about the DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program at Ingalls, visit their official website.