Huntington Ingalls Industries christens USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee
USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee at her naming ceremony. (Photo: Huntington Ingalls Industries)
Huntington Ingalls Industries on 24 April christened its new Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) during a small socially distanced ceremony.
DDG 123 is named after Lenah Sutcliff Higbee, the first woman to receive the Navy Cross.
The vessel was acquired on behalf of the DoD and USN by Program Executive Office Ships.
DDG 123 is configured as a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class vessel to enable power projection, forward presence and escort operations at sea to support low-intensity conflict, coastal and littoral offshore warfare and open ocean conflict.
The ship incorporates a cooperative engagement capability, which, when combined with the Aegis combat system, will allow groups of ships and aircraft to link their radars and provide a composite picture of the battlespace.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Arleigh Burke class was designed to replace the USN's Spruance-class destroyers. A total of 47 Flight IIA vessels have been ordered to date with 40 in service. There are also 13 confirmed orders for Flight III vessels.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Second rMCM vessel begins sea trials, advances autonomous minesweeping
The rMCM programme will ultimately comprise of 12 vessels, six each working for the Belgian and the Royal Netherlands Navy.
-
Long-delayed polar icebreaker programme gets cash and impetus boost
The US Government has awarded a significant contract to move along its Polar Security Cutter programme.
-
Avalon 2025: Kongsberg confirms its first Australian missile factory
The deal, which has been planned since August 2024, is part of an ongoing attempt to bolster Australia’s defences against the potential of Chinese aggression.
-
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.