USS Thomas Hudner accepted by US Navy

The US Navy accepted delivery of its newest guided-missile destroyer, USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), from shipbuilder General Dynamics Bath Iron Works on 15 June.

DDG 116 is the 66th Arleigh Burke class destroyer and the fourth DDG 51 Flight IIA restart ship to be delivered.  The ship is equipped with the Aegis Baseline 9 combat system, which includes an Integrated Air and Missile Defense capability incorporating Ballistic Missile Defense 5.0 and Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air.  Aegis Baseline 9 destroyers have increased computing power, along with radar upgrades for improved detection and reaction capabilities against modern anti-air warfare and ballistic threats.

Capt. Casey Moton, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office Ships, said: ‘The delivery of the future USS Thomas Hudner represents a very special milestone in this shipbuilding programme. As the ship now prepares to sailaway and enter the fleet, it will continue the strong Aegis tradition in serving our navy for decades to come.’