HII Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered the USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) to the US Navy, marking the acceptance of the 78th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer. The handover followed extensive dock and sea trials that validated the ship’s performance, systems integration, and operational readiness.
The vessel is the third Flight III destroyer to enter service, incorporating the AN/SPY-6(V)1 air and missile defense radar paired with the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system. This configuration significantly improves situational awareness and provides enhanced defense against evolving missile, air, and surface threats.
The destroyer is named in honor of Ted Stevens, a prominent Alaskan lawmaker and the longest-serving Republican senator in US history. HII remains a central player in the program, with seven additional destroyers currently under construction and 36 ships delivered to date, including the Ted Stevens.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers feature hull lengths ranging from 154 to 155 meters, a top speed of 30 knots, and a range exceeding 4,400 nautical miles. Armed with missiles, torpedoes, naval guns, electronic warfare systems, and decoy countermeasures, the ships are designed to support a crew of around 300 personnel, embarked helicopters, and small boats for diverse naval missions.
