Signing ceremony at Ingalls Shipbuilding accomplished the formalities for Navy acceptance of the primary Flight III destroyer. [Photo: HII]
The Navy accepted supply of the long run guided missile destroyer USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), its first Flight III destroyer, from Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division on June 27.
Accepting supply of DDG 125 represents the official switch of the ship from the shipbuilder to the Navy. Prior to supply, the ship carried out a collection of at-sea and pier-side trials to show its materials and operational readiness.
DDG 125 is known as for Pfc. Jack Lucas, who served within the U.S. Marines throughout World War II, incomes the Medal of Honor for his heroism at Iwo Jima, when he was simply 17 years outdated. He is the youngest Marine, and the youngest serviceman in World War II, to be awarded the United States’ highest navy ornament for valor. In 1961, he returned to navy service; as a Captain within the U.S. Army, Lucas educated youthful troops headed for Vietnam.
“Delivery of the future USS Jack H. Lucas is an historic occasion. As the Navy’s first Flight III destroyer, DDG 125 brings the most advanced Integrated Air and Missile Defense capability to the fleet,” stated Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 class program supervisor, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “I am tremendously proud of the entire Navy and industry team for delivering this ship. The AEGIS Shipbuilding program has demonstrated yet again that it remains a world class organization and carries on the legacy of Rear Admiral Wayne E. Meyer that was established over fifty years ago. Build a little, test a little and learn a lot. Job well done!”
“Delivering the first Flight III ship reflects the relentless efforts of our shipbuilders and those of our Navy and supplier partners,” stated 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.”
The Flight III configured destroyers embrace the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System that’s required to maintain tempo with the threats of the long run. They additionally incorporate upgrades to {the electrical} energy and cooling capability.
