The future USS George M. Neal, the fourth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding yard, has hit the water for the first time.
Outfitting and systems activation work will now begin on the new warship ahead of scheduled sea trials, as per an HII press statement.
Programme manager at Ingalls Shipbuilding Chris Brown commented: “Launching DDG 131 is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our Ingalls shipbuilders.”
He added: “Seeing the ship reach the water for the first time is a proud moment for everyone involved and a real testament to the people who make this work possible for our U.S. Navy.”
The destroyer entered the water for the first time at the start of the month, having been shifted from the build area into the dry dock, where final checks were carried out before it was flooded, allowing the vessel to float for the first time.
At the start of the year Ingalls also handed over its second Flight III destroyer, USS Ted Stevens, to the U.S. Navy; its first, USS Jack H. Lucas, was delivered in summer 2023. All Flight III ships feature the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system.
The warships are also fitted with the AN/SPY-6 (V)1 Air and Missile Defence Radar (AMDR), said by contractor Raytheon to be 30 times more sensitive and capable of detecting objects half as large and twice as distant compared to its predecessor system.
The shipyard is currently building a further three Flight III warships — Jeremiah Denton, Sam Nunn, and Thad Cochran — with another seven in the pipeline.
- You can read more details on the HII website