US receives USS Rafael Peralta

The US Navy has taken delivery of the future guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), it announced on 6 February.

Rafael Peralta is the first Arleigh Burke-class destroyer constructed at the General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works shipyard to be delivered since the programme was restartedin 2010. The first restart ship (USS John Finn) was delivered by Huntington Ingalls Industries in December 2016.

Rafael Peralta has undergone a series of at-sea and pier-side trials to demonstrate the ship's operational readiness

The vessel is equipped with the Aegis Baseline 9 combat system, which includes an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capability incorporating Ballistic Missile Defence 5.0 Capability Upgrade and Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air. The IAMD radar will improve detection and reaction capabilities against modern air warfare threats, while the Aegis combat system will enable the ship to link radars with other ships and aircraft to provide a composite picture of the battlespace and increase the theatre space.

Casey Moton, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office Ships, said: 'Arleigh Burke-class destroyers continue to provide the most critical warfighting technologies to our sailors, equipping them with the capabilities they require to meet our missions at sea. As the 65th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to join the fleet, Rafael Peralta will continue the proud legacy of this class.'