Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

USS Ted Stevens

USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128) is a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class under construction for the . Built by ' Ingalls Shipbuilding division in , the ship's keel was authenticated on March 9, 2022, it was launched on August 15, 2023, and christened the following day. As the 78th ship in its class, DDG-128 incorporates advanced Flight III upgrades, including the , enhancing its multi-mission capabilities in anti-air warfare, , and . The is named in honor of Theodore Fulton "Ted" Stevens, a longtime U.S. Senator from who served as of the Interior and advanced military interests during his tenure. Commissioning is scheduled for summer 2026 in Alaska, marking a notable event for the state's naval heritage.

Namesake

Ted Stevens' military service and political career

Theodore Fulton "Ted" Stevens served as a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Forces from 1943 to 1946 during World War II, flying transport missions over the Himalayas in the China-Burma-India Theater in support of the Flying Tigers. His operations involved navigating the treacherous "Hump" route, which claimed numerous aircraft due to extreme weather and terrain. For his valor and skill, Stevens received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Air Medals, and the Yuan Hai Medal from the Republic of China before his honorable discharge in 1946. Stevens entered politics after relocating to Alaska in 1950, initially working as a lawyer and serving in state government roles, including majority leader of the Alaska House of Representatives from 1966 to 1968. He was appointed to the U.S. Senate on December 24, 1968, following the death of Senator E.L. Bartlett, and won a special election in November 1970 to complete the term, securing full election that year. Stevens served continuously until January 3, 2009, becoming Alaska's longest-serving senator with over 40 years of tenure and rising to senior status. During this period, he chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee from 1997 to 2001 and 2003 to 2005, wielding significant influence over federal budgeting, including defense expenditures exceeding $1 trillion annually. As a key figure on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Stevens advocated for bolstering U.S. capabilities in , directing billions in federal funds from 1995 to 2008 toward infrastructure, bases, and procurement that enhanced national readiness in the and Pacific regions. His efforts supported installations like Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and , emphasizing Alaska's strategic role in countering geopolitical threats and fostering -civilian partnerships. This legacy of prioritizing investments underscored his recognition as a staunch proponent of American strength.

Achievements in defense policy and criticisms

During his tenure as a U.S. Senator from from to , served as chairman or ranking member of the Appropriations Committee's Defense Subcommittee from 1981 to 2008, where he influenced billions in federal funding for military programs, including enhancements to naval capabilities and infrastructure critical to U.S. strategic interests in the region. His efforts directed resources toward 's military installations, such as bolstering air defense systems and facilities to counter emerging threats from and in the resource-rich , where empirical assessments of great-power competition underscored the need for forward-deployed U.S. assets. These allocations, often characterized as pork-barrel spending by critics, empirically advanced national defense by enabling rapid-response capabilities in a theater of increasing geopolitical tension, as evidenced by subsequent establishments like the Center for , which builds on his legislative push for regional security training and intelligence sharing. Stevens' defense advocacy extended to broader naval modernization, where he championed appropriations for and systems, reflecting a causal prioritization of deterrence against adversarial naval expansions in the Pacific and . His unapologetic pursuit of state-specific funding was defended as essential for , given Alaska's proximity to potential flashpoints, yielding tangible outcomes like upgraded ports and airfields that supported U.S. operations. Stevens faced significant criticism stemming from a 2008 federal probe, resulting in his on July 29, 2008, on seven counts for allegedly failing to disclose over $250,000 in gifts and services from oilfield contractor Bill Allen, including home renovations valued at approximately $160,000. A jury convicted him on all counts in October 2008, contributing to his narrow reelection loss later that month, with outlets portraying him as emblematic of congressional ethical lapses amid broader narratives of institutional . However, in April 2009, the U.S. Department of moved to dismiss all charges and vacate the conviction, citing including the withholding of from defense attorneys, as detailed in a subsequent internal report that described the lapses as "shocking" and among the worst in a generation. The presiding judge, Emmet Sullivan, excoriated the prosecution team for Brady violations and ordered a special investigation, highlighting systemic failures in evidence handling rather than establishing Stevens' guilt, thereby restoring the without a retrial. Despite these controversies, Stevens' legacy as a defense hawk endured, culminating in a 2013 provision within appropriations urging the naming of a future large naval in his honor, reflecting bipartisan recognition of his contributions to readiness over politicized scandals. This push, advanced amid ongoing scrutiny of his ethics case, underscored the empirical weight of his policy impacts on U.S. naval , particularly in Alaska's strategic domain, as affirmed by subsequent decisions to designate the Arleigh Burke-class DDG-128 as USS Ted Stevens in 2019.

Authorization and naming

Contract award and congressional involvement

The naming of DDG-128 as USS Ted Stevens originated from a provision in the (NDAA) for 2013, which expressed the sense of the that a future be named in honor of the late Senator to recognize his extensive , particularly his advocacy for readiness and appropriations during his tenure from 1968 to 2009. This legislative nudge reflected efforts to reaffirm Stevens' legacy as a pivotal figure in defense policy, following the 2009 overturning of his 2008 corruption conviction on procedural grounds and amid debates over earmark-driven spending that had fueled earlier criticisms. The Navy formally announced the naming on , 2019, without reported delays to timelines attributable to congressional naming debates. On September 27, 2018, the U.S. Navy awarded (HII) division a $5.1 billion fixed-price incentive multiyear procurement contract for six Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers, including DDG-128, as part of a broader $9.3 billion block buy encompassing ten ships split between HII and . This structure enabled cost efficiencies through , projected to save up to $2 billion over single-year buys by stabilizing production and supplier chains for advanced radar and power systems. The award aligned with the Navy's imperative to expand its surface fleet to 355 ships, prioritizing Flight III variants equipped for air and against peer competitors like and , with DDG-128 designated as the 78th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to bolster multi-domain capabilities without fiscal overruns tied to the Stevens naming. Congressional oversight emphasized procurement discipline, as evidenced by prior authorizations in the FY2018 NDAA that facilitated the multiyear deal while scrutinizing unit costs exceeding $2 billion per hull.

Construction

Keel laying and structural milestones

The keel of the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128) was laid on March 9, 2022, at ' division in , initiating the formal structural assembly of the hull for this Arleigh Burke-class Flight III . This milestone involved the authentication and placement of the plate, a ceremonial and technical step ensuring the foundational alignment for subsequent modular construction. The process highlighted the precision required in joining high-strength steel sections using automated welding systems to form the baseline structure, critical for supporting the ship's 9,700-ton and enhanced power distribution architecture. Structural progress advanced through the erection of the primary and transverse framing by early 2023, with pre-outfitted modules for Flight III-specific upgrades—such as reinforced plating for increased electrical loads—integrated via controlled fit-up and non-destructive testing to verify weld . These phases adhered closely to the contracted timeline, overcoming post-pandemic supply constraints on specialized alloys and components through domestic sourcing prioritization, as evidenced by the ship's readiness for subsequent flooding and alignment checks ahead of dry-dock transfer.

Launch and christening ceremony

The future USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128) was launched on August 15, 2023, at ' division in . The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer was translated from its land-based construction position into a floating drydock using railcars before being floated out, signifying the completion of major hull assembly and the shift to waterborne outfitting. The christening ceremony occurred four days later, on August 19, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. CDT in Pascagoula. Principal sponsor Catherine Stevens, the widow of Senator , along with the ship's co-sponsors—daughters Susan Stevens Covich and Lily Irene Becker—performed the traditional rite by breaking three bottles of against the bow. Vice Admiral Jeffrey W. Hughes, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet's Surface Force, delivered remarks emphasizing the namesake's service as an Army Air Corps combat pilot, during which he earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses and two Air Medals for missions over the and China-Burma-India theater. Hughes also noted Stevens' subsequent congressional advocacy for defense appropriations and military infrastructure, framing the event as a tribute to his contributions to naval . Lily Becker addressed the gathering, reflecting on her father's belief in empowering others and the Navy's role in upholding American resolve. Following the , the ship remained moored at the Ingalls facility for final fittings, basic systems activation, and preparations leading into builder's trials, with family and dignitaries present to underscore the vessel's alignment with Stevens' legacy of prioritizing national security in remote operational theaters.

Design and capabilities

Arleigh Burke-class Flight III enhancements

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers progressed through Flights I, II, and IIA with incremental improvements in propulsion, armament, and electronics, but Flight III introduced foundational structural and power upgrades to support next-generation capabilities without altering the core hull form. These enhancements prioritize scalability for high-demand systems, including provisions for directed energy weapons, by expanding electrical generation capacity through Rolls-Royce AG9160 gas-turbine generator sets and a reconfigured power distribution architecture that delivers substantially more onboard power than prior flights. This upgrade addresses the limitations of earlier variants' electrical systems, which were constrained to around 9-13 MW, enabling Flight III ships like DDG-128 to allocate surplus power for future and integration while maintaining operational reliability. Structurally, Flight III variants feature a refined and optimized for integration of advanced arrays, measuring 509.5 feet (155.3 meters) in length with a of 59 feet (18 meters) and full-load of approximately 9,700 tons. The design incorporates a broadened mid-body section to house expanded equipment volumes and improved cooling infrastructure, enhancing management without compromising the class's inherent profile, which relies on angled surfaces, -absorbent materials, and minimized protrusions to reduce radar cross-section compared to non-stealth contemporaries. is bolstered by these margins in electrical, , and computational resources, allowing sustained performance under combat stress and facilitating rapid adaptation to emerging threats through modular growth space.

Sensors, radar, and propulsion systems

The USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128), as an Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer, features the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), comprising four fixed-array faces mounted on the deckhouse, each equipped with 37 scalable Radar Module Assemblies (RMAs) for 360-degree coverage. This (AESA) radar delivers significantly enhanced sensitivity and detection range compared to the legacy , enabling simultaneous volume search, precision track, and engagement of multiple air and threats at extended distances. In contested environments like the Pacific theater, the SPY-6's improved and clutter rejection support air superiority and (IAMD), with empirical testing demonstrating reliable performance against hypersonic and low-observable targets. The radar integrates with the Aegis Baseline 10 combat management system, which processes data from the SPY-6 alongside other sensors for (CEC), allowing networked fire control across distributed naval assets. This baseline upgrade facilitates simultaneous handling of diverse threats, including anti-ship ballistic missiles, through advanced algorithms for threat discrimination and cueing. Propulsion remains consistent with earlier Arleigh Burke flights, utilizing four General Electric LM2500-30 gas turbines coupled to two shafts, producing 100,000 shaft horsepower for sustained speeds exceeding 30 knots. Flight III enhancements include upgraded electrical power generation, such as Rolls-Royce AG9160 auxiliary sets integrated into a revised plant architecture, to meet the SPY-6's peak power demands of up to several megawatts while maintaining margins. Advanced cooling systems, leveraging increased and , ensure reliable operation of high-power electronics under prolonged high-threat scenarios without compromising mobility.

Armament and missile capabilities

The USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128), as an Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyer, features a (VLS) with 96 cells configured in two 64-cell modules, enabling the deployment of a mix of surface-to-air, anti-ship, land-attack, and anti-submarine missiles. These cells support Standard Missile-2 (SM-2), SM-3, and SM-6 for multi-role air and , including interception; Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) quad-packed for enhanced anti-air warfare capacity; Block V land-attack and anti-ship variants for long-range precision strikes; and Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) with Mk 54 torpedoes for extended-range submarine engagement. The VLS design provides flexibility for future hypersonic weapons, such as the (CPS) system, through modular canisters that accommodate larger-diameter missiles without structural modifications. For surface gunfire support and close-range engagements, the ship mounts a single 5-inch/62-caliber Mark 45 Mod 4 naval gun, capable of firing precision-guided extended-range munitions up to 13 nautical miles with a rate of 10-20 rounds per minute. Close-in weapon systems include two Mk 15 Phalanx 20mm CIWS mounts for rapid-fire defense against anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and small boats, supplemented by potential Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) launchers for infrared-guided interception. Anti-submarine warfare capabilities center on two Mk 32 triple-tube launchers firing Mk 54 lightweight torpedoes, which offer acoustic homing and wire-guided control for targeting submerged threats at depths up to 1,200 feet and ranges exceeding 10 nautical miles. These integrate with the ASROC for standoff delivery, enhancing layered defense. systems, including the AN/SLQ-32(V)6 suite, provide radar warning, jamming, and decoy deployment via Mk 36 super-rapid bloom offboard chaff and infrared decoys to counter missile threats and support multi-domain operations.

Testing and trials

Builder's sea trials

The future USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128) conducted its initial builder's sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico, departing from Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi, on September 24, 2025. These multi-day alpha trials, led by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), focused on validating core engineering functions, including propulsion systems, navigation controls, hull integrity, mechanical operations, electrical power distribution, and initial combat systems integration. Key evaluations encompassed high-speed maneuvers to assess seaworthiness and basic radar performance, notably early tests of the AN/SPY-6(V)1 air and missile defense radar, marking a critical step in confirming the Flight III configuration's enhanced sensor suite under operational conditions. Following the successful completion of the first trials by late September 2025, HII proceeded with a second round of builder's sea trials in early October, further refining system integrations identified during the initial outing. These extended evaluations built on prior data, conducting additional checks of reliability across varied sea states, accuracy, and expanded tracking capabilities, alongside electrical and subsystem . The trials concluded successfully on October 24, 2025, with HII reporting no major deficiencies, only routine post-trial adjustments to optimize performance metrics such as fuel efficiency and sensor calibration. Overall, the builder's sea trials represented a pivotal milestone, demonstrating the destroyer's readiness for subsequent Navy-led acceptance trials by affirming baseline functionality in real-world environments without reliance on dockside simulations. HII's integrated team of shipbuilders and Navy representatives collaborated throughout, ensuring data-driven validations that prioritized causal system interactions over isolated component checks.

Acceptance trials and pre-commissioning activities

Following the builder's sea trials completed in October 2025, the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128) advanced to preparations for acceptance trials overseen by the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). These Navy-led evaluations, anticipated in late 2025 or early 2026, focus on independent verification of the ship's combat systems integration, performance, and overall material condition to ensure compliance with fleet standards prior to delivery. INSURV trials emphasize shakedown operations under Navy control, distinct from builder-conducted tests, to identify and address any residual deficiencies in hull, mechanical, electrical, and weapons systems. As a pre-commissioning unit (PCU) designated since its christening in August 2023, DDG-128 operates from HII's in , where activities center on crew familiarization and operational readiness. Under Prospective Commanding Officer Capt. Mary Katey Hays, who assumed responsibilities on March 27, 2023, the crew—comprising approximately 300 sailors—is integrating personnel trained for Flight III-specific operations, including advanced and power management protocols. Pre-commissioning efforts include simulated combat system drills, deficiency corrections from trial data, and coordination with Naval Surface Force Atlantic for eventual transition to active service. These phases ensure the destroyer achieves full mission capability before its scheduled commissioning in summer 2026.

Commissioning and future operations

Planned commissioning in Alaska

The commissioning of USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128) is scheduled for summer 2026, targeting May or , in the state of to honor the ship's namesake, longtime U.S. Senator , who represented for over four decades. This location underscores Stevens' deep ties to the region, where he advocated for military infrastructure and security during his tenure. The event will follow established U.S. commissioning protocols, including a public ceremony featuring the reading of the commissioning directive, the ship's battery salute, and the crew's formal assumption of command, organized with support from the USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Committee. The committee, led by president Cherie Curry, is tasked with facilitating Navy traditions, crew support, and community involvement, potentially extending into a week-long series of events to recognize the personnel. As of late 2025, the exact venue within remains unspecified pending final coordination, though announcements have been made through local naval organizations such as the U.S. League Anchorage Council. Delays in sea trials or could shift the to fall 2026 or spring 2027, as the ship was still undergoing trials without a fixed date confirmed in mid-2025 updates.

Intended role and strategic significance

The USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128), as an Arleigh Burke-class Flight III , is intended to serve as a multi-mission capable of conducting ballistic missile defense (BMD), anti-air warfare (AAW), (), and operations. Assigned to the U.S. Naval Surface Force Atlantic (SURFLANT), the ship will likely be homeported in , enabling rapid deployment to contested regions including the and domains. Its advanced (V)1 radar and BMD system allow simultaneous tracking and engagement of air and threats, providing layered defense for carrier strike groups, amphibious forces, and other high-value assets. Strategically, the Ted Stevens enhances U.S. naval deterrence against peer adversaries such as and by contributing to fleet-level air and in distributed maritime operations. In the , where China's expanding anti-access/area-denial capabilities pose risks to forward-deployed forces, Flight III destroyers like DDG-128 extend BMD coverage against hypersonic and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, supporting and alliance commitments. The ship's integration into operations aligns with its namesake's legacy of Alaskan defense advocacy, bolstering presence amid Russia's militarization of the region and competition for resources. As a force multiplier, the Ted Stevens helps maintain U.S. numerical and technological superiority in surface combatants, with Flight III upgrades addressing capability gaps in an era of great-power competition. Its 96-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system, augmented by enhanced power and cooling systems, enables sustained high-end warfighting, countering narratives of naval decline by demonstrating incremental modernization over legacy platforms. This aligns with the Navy's priority to integrate 22 Flight III destroyers into the fleet by the early 2030s, reinforcing deterrence without relying on unproven next-generation designs.

References

  1. [1]
    DDG-128 - MyNavyHR
    USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128) is a planned Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy, the 78th overall for the class.
  2. [2]
    U.S. Navy Launches Future USS Ted Stevens
    Aug 15, 2023 · DDG 128 will be a Flight III guided missile destroyer. The Flight III upgrade is centered on the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and ...
  3. [3]
    Navy to Christen Guided-Missile Destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128)
    Aug 18, 2023 · The Navy will christen the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) during a 9:00 am CDT ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 19, in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
  4. [4]
    Destroyers - Navy.mil
    The DDG 51- and DDG 1000-class destroyers are capable of conducting Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW).<|separator|>
  5. [5]
    USS Ted Stevens commissioning slated for summer 2026 in Alaska
    Oct 17, 2024 · The commissioning is expected to take place in Alaska in May or June 2026, according to Cherie Curry, the president of the Ted Stevens Commissioning Committee.
  6. [6]
    Achievements Timeline - Ted Stevens Foundation
    ... Flying Tigers” in China-Burma-India Theater during World War II; awarded 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and other decorations for his skill and bravery.
  7. [7]
    SECNAV Names New Destroyer in Honor of US Senator from Alaska
    Jan 4, 2019 · Stevens served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps from 1943 to 1946 and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross before being discharged in 1946 ...Missing: military | Show results with:military
  8. [8]
    Ted Stevens was a flier who faced the risks | Wichita Eagle
    Aug 12, 2010 · ... Stevens was awarded the fourth-highest federal medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross. The "Hump" route had a more sinister nickname: the ...Missing: military | Show results with:military
  9. [9]
    Learn About Senator Ted Stevens (1923-2010) - USSTSCC
    For his service, Stevens received two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Air Medals, and the Republic of China's Yuan Hai medal. Following the war, Stevens ...
  10. [10]
    Delegation Applauds Secretary of the Navy's Decision to Name ...
    Apr 1, 2019 · “During WWII, Senator Stevens earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Yuan Hai Medal, and the Air Medal for his selfless and brave service ...
  11. [11]
    STEVENS, Theodore Fulton (Ted) - Bioguide Search
    Courtesy U.S. Senate Historical Office. 21 US Congresses Served. Senate Years of Service. 90th – 110th(1968 – 2009). State / Territory. Alaska. Position.
  12. [12]
    Senator Theodore "Ted" Stevens - Project Jukebox
    Stevens was subsequently elected in a special election on November 3, 1970, to complete the unexpired term ending January 3, 1973. He continued as Alaska's US ...
  13. [13]
    Longest-Serving Senators - U.S. Senate
    Longest-Serving Senators ; 11. StevensTed Stevens (R-AK), Dec 24, 1968–Jan 3, 2009, 40_00_1040 years, 10 days.
  14. [14]
    Ted Stevens '47 - UCLA Alumni Association
    May 28, 2015 · Stevens chairs the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for annually allocating more than $1 trillion in federal funds ...
  15. [15]
    Ted Stevens - Person of the Year 2010 - TIME
    He became a leader in the Senate, as chairman of the Defense Appropriations Sub-committee, chairman of the Commerce Committee, chairman of the Appropriations ...
  16. [16]
    Senator Murkowski's tribute to Senator Stevens
    Nov 20, 2008 · Ted Stevens has been Alaska in this Senate for four decades now. ... Our troops tell us that our communities in Alaska support the military like ...Missing: procurement | Show results with:procurement
  17. [17]
    [PDF] Fact Sheet: Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies - DoD
    Nov 17, 2021 · The legacy of Senator Stevens includes a remarkable number of legislative achievements which advanced U.S. interests, while leveraging the ...
  18. [18]
    OPINION: USS Ted Stevens carries the spirit of Alaska's greatest ...
    May 23, 2024 · Stevens' service as a World War II aviator, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, U.S. Attorney for the Territory of Alaska, fierce ...
  19. [19]
    Fairbanks Daily News-Miner: Honoring Ted Stevens
    Dec 24, 2018 · He was a staunch proponent of our armed forces and national defense. He advanced telecommunications policy. And his legacy also includes a ...Missing: military Navy
  20. [20]
    Two prosecutors cited for misconduct in Senator Stevens case
    May 24, 2012 · Two U.S. prosecutors in the corruption case of the late Alaska Senator Ted Stevens ... Two prosecutors cited for misconduct in Senator Stevens ...Missing: indictment | Show results with:indictment
  21. [21]
    Ted Stevens' charges dismissed as judge excoriates prosecutors
    Apr 8, 2009 · A jury in October found Stevens, 85, guilty on seven corruption counts. A week later, the veteran lawmaker lost his bid for reelection to the ...
  22. [22]
    Report: Prosecutors Hid Evidence In Ted Stevens Case - NPR
    Mar 15, 2012 · "The extent of the corruption is shocking," Sullivan says. "It's the worst misconduct we've seen in a generation by prosecutors at the ...
  23. [23]
    Justice Dept. Moves to Void Stevens Case - The New York Times
    Apr 1, 2009 · The Justice Department moved to drop charges against Ted Stevens, citing prosecutorial misconduct ... corruption trial.Credit...Brendan ...Missing: indictment | Show results with:indictment
  24. [24]
    Stevens judge calls for DOJ probe - POLITICO
    Apr 7, 2009 · Ted Stevens on Tuesday, and will pursue ... misconduct in their handling of the corruption case against the former senator from Alaska.
  25. [25]
    The U.S.S. Ted Stevens - Roll Call
    Mar 4, 2013 · ... Senate that the next large naval warship be named for former Senate Appropriations Chairman Ted Stevens, R-Alaska. Stevens, who died in an ...Missing: bipartisan | Show results with:bipartisan
  26. [26]
    SECNAV Names New Destroyer in Honor of US Senator from Alaska
    Jan 9, 2019 · Spencer named a future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in honor of U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, who represented Alaska from 1968 to ...
  27. [27]
    Navy Awards DDG-51 FY18-22 Multiyear Procurement Contracts
    Sep 27, 2018 · The Navy awarded two contracts for the DDG-51 fiscal years (FY) 2018 - 2022 multiyear procurement (MYP) for DDG-51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.Missing: block | Show results with:block
  28. [28]
    Navy Awards Ingalls 6 Destroyers, Bath Iron Works 4 in Multiyear Deal
    Sep 27, 2018 · The two companies had been competing for work in a five-year multiyear procurement (MYP) deal that would cover at least 10 Flight III destroyers ...
  29. [29]
    US Navy awards $9 billion contracts for Arleigh Burke-class ...
    Sep 28, 2018 · The US Navy has awarded two contracts totaling over $9 billion for the construction of Flight III configuration Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers.
  30. [30]
    HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES AWARDED $936 MILLION ...
    In 2018, Ingalls was awarded a $5.1 billion fixed-price incentive, multiyear contract for construction of six Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers for the ...Missing: USS | Show results with:USS
  31. [31]
    USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) - U.S. Carriers
    Keel Laid: March 9, 2022 ; Christened: August 19, 2023 ; Commissioned: 2026 ; Builder: Huntington Ingalls Industries, Pascagoula, MS. ; Propulsion system: 4 - ...
  32. [32]
    Keel Authenticated for Future USS Ted Stevens - Navy.mil
    Mar 10, 2022 · The keel of future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), the 78th Arleigh Burke-class ship was ceremonially laid at Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) ...
  33. [33]
    HII AUTHENTICATES KEEL OF GUIDED MISSILE DESTROYER ...
    Mar 25, 2022 · Ted Stevens is the 76th Arleigh Burke-class ship ceremonially laid and the second Flight III destroyer to be constructed at Ingalls Shipbuilding ...
  34. [34]
    Keel laid for US Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ted Stevens
    Mar 11, 2022 · HII Ingalls Shipbuilding division has held the keel laying of the US Navy's 78th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, Ted Stevens (DDG 128).Missing: builder | Show results with:builder
  35. [35]
    HII'S INGALLS SHIPBUILDING LAUNCHES GUIDED MISSILE ...
    Aug 15, 2023 · The ship will be christened Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023 in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Ddg 128 Launch HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division successfully ...
  36. [36]
    Newest Navy destroyer USS Ted Stevens christened in Mississippi
    Aug 19, 2023 · ... USS Ted Stevens to christen it Saturday at Ingalls Shipbuilding's facility in Pascagoula, Miss. “Today, from Alaska to Mississippi, we are ...Missing: milestones | Show results with:milestones
  37. [37]
    More power for US Navy's DDG-51 destroyers - Rolls-Royce
    The new AG9160 generator sets will provide the Flight III destroyers with more electrical power, feeding into a new electrical plant architecture.
  38. [38]
    The 'New' Arleigh Burke–Class Flight III Destroyer Has a Message ...
    Sep 17, 2025 · New AG9160 ship service gas-turbine generator sets supply significantly more electrical power. A re-architected power conversion system and ...Missing: enhancements | Show results with:enhancements
  39. [39]
    Destroyers (DDG 51) > United States Navy > Display-FactFiles
    Mar 4, 2025 · The AMDR enables Flight III ships to simultaneously perform AAW and BMD, which satisfies the Navy's critical need for an enhanced surface ...Missing: enhancements | Show results with:enhancements
  40. [40]
    AN/SPY-6(V)1 Radar: Eyes of the fleet - NAVSEA
    Jul 15, 2025 · The incorporation of AN/SPY-6(V)1 into the Navy's Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers affirms the Navy's dominance in contested waters, ...Missing: superstructure | Show results with:superstructure
  41. [41]
    U.S. Navy's SPY-6 Family of Radars | Raytheon - RTX
    4 array faces – each with 37 RMAs – providing continuous, 360-degree situational awareness. Significantly enhanced range and sensitivity compared to the radar ...
  42. [42]
    AN/SPY-6(V)1 Radar: Eyes of the fleet - Naval Sea Systems Command
    Jul 15, 2025 · Key features include scalability through Radar Modular Assemblies—2-foot-by-2-foot-by-2-foot scalable radar building blocks—enhanced sensitivity ...
  43. [43]
  44. [44]
    DDG-51 Flight III Design Efforts Nearly Complete; Radar, Power ...
    Dec 20, 2017 · The Flight III design revolves around the addition of the AN/SPY-6(V) Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), with upgrades to the power and other ...Missing: enhancements | Show results with:enhancements
  45. [45]
    Arleigh Burke-class Destroyers - HII
    A DDG Aegis guided missile destroyer is equipped with: 2 MK 41 vertical launching systems; 1 5-inch gun turret; 2 MK 32 triple-barrel torpedo mounts; Advanced ...
  46. [46]
    The U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke Flight III Destroyer Is No Battleship ...
    Sep 25, 2025 · Flight III Burkes add SPY-6 radar, Aegis Baseline 10, and upgraded power/cooling to the proven DDG-51 hull—96 VLS cells and SM-6/SM-3 reach ...
  47. [47]
    HII Successfully Completes Builder's Sea Trials for Destroyer Ted ...
    Lucas (DDG 125), in June of 2023 and currently has five Flight IIIs under construction including Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M.Missing: milestones | Show results with:milestones
  48. [48]
    HII completes builder's sea trials for destroyer Ted Stevens with AN ...
    Sep 30, 2025 · HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division has successfully completed builder's sea trials for the guided missile destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128), ...Missing: alpha | Show results with:alpha
  49. [49]
  50. [50]
  51. [51]
    HII Successfully Completes Builder's Sea Trials for Destroyer Ted ...
    Sep 27, 2025 · HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division successfully completed builder's sea trials for guided missile destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128)Missing: alpha September
  52. [52]
  53. [53]
    USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) Completes Builder's Sea Trials in Gulf ...
    Sep 29, 2025 · The USS Ted Stevens will undergo acceptance trials later this year, executed by the U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV).
  54. [54]
    U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer Flight III USS Ted Stevens ...
    Sep 28, 2025 · The US Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Flight III USS Ted Stevens completed sea trials in the Gulf of America, advancing toward active ...
  55. [55]
    Future USS Jack H. Lucas Successfully Completes Acceptance Trials
    Ingalls is continuing production on future destroyers Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131) and Sam Nunn (DDG 133). As ...
  56. [56]
    HII Christens Guided Missile Destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128)
    Aug 19, 2023 · HII (NYSE: HII) christened today pre-commissioning unit Ted Stevens (DDG 128) at the company's Ingalls Shipbuilding division.Missing: activities | Show results with:activities
  57. [57]
    Commanding Officer, USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) - Navy.mil
    Jan 30, 2024 · Captain Hays is a native of Tampa, Florida. She received her commission in 1999 from the United States Naval Academy where she earned a Bachelor of Science in ...
  58. [58]
    USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) - SURFLANT Home
    Welcome to the destroyer USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) official website.
  59. [59]
    Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128)
    Oct 2, 2025 · Stevens will be commissioned in Alaska in May or June 2026 as she honors the former senator from that state. Ingalls delivered the first ...
  60. [60]
    USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Committee: Welcome
    The USS Ted Stevens Commissioning Committee's mission is to serve the crew and honor the service of US Senator Ted Stevens in the Navy traditions.In the News · Support Today · Learn More · Contact
  61. [61]
    USS Ted Stevens to be commissioned in Alaska
    Sep 24, 2025 · “Unfortunately, we don't have the date yet,” Curry said. “The ship is almost complete, and we are in time trials and sea trials. “Once the ...Missing: DDG- 128
  62. [62]
    USS Ted Stevens commissioning slated for summer 2026 in Alaska
    Oct 18, 2024 · During a US Navy League Anchorage Council meeting on Thursday, the group announced that the USS Ted Stevens is expected to be commissioned ...
  63. [63]
    Exclusive Report: Inside U.S. Navy Flight III Arleigh Burke Destroyer ...
    Jul 11, 2025 · It strengthens the Navy's distributed maritime operations strategy and reinforces fleet-level air and missile defense capabilities while ...
  64. [64]
    US Navy DDG 51 Flight III program reaches new milestones
    Nov 24, 2020 · Flight III destroyers will have improved capability and capacity to perform Anti-Air Warfare and Ballistic Missile Defense in support of the ...