WASHINGTON - The Navy's DDG 51 modernization program has met two
key milestones Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced Dec. 22.
The milestones involve the successful installation and testing of
the new Aegis baseline 9 combat system on two DDG 51 destroyers, and a hull,
mechanical and electrical (HM&E) modernization to a third. The modernization
program ensures Arleigh Burke-class ships keep pace with evolving threats while
meeting service life requirements and future operational commitments.
USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Benfold (DDG 65) successfully executed
sea trials following extensive, Extended Selected Restricted Availabilities for
combat systems modernizations. Barry completed her availability at Naval Station
Norfolk and was the first ship to receive the Aegis baseline 9 installation on
the East Coast. Benfold completed the baseline 9 modernization at Naval Station
San Diego. The modernizations upgraded all major elements of the ships' combat
systems including radars, weapons, communications suite, sonar, electronic
warfare, navigation, and computer capability.
"These upgrades to major shipboard systems on DDG 51 class ships
strengthen the Surface Fleet by improving the ships' capability to tackle
missions and engage evolving threats," said Surface Combatant Modernization
Program Manager Capt. Ted Zobel. "By incorporating smarter technologies, we
ensure ships are more efficient and able to meet their tasking for years to
come."
During sea trials, the ships demonstrated improved warfighting
capability that included the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) embedded
in the combat systems upgrade. The new software package, baseline 9C, includes
an Aegis Weapon System (AWS) upgrade which introduces an enhanced SPY-1D radar
with a multi-mission signal processor for anti-air warfare and ballistic missile
defense in support of IAMD.
The AWS is complemented with the addition of cooperative engagement
capability (CEC), anti-submarine warfare upgrades and improvements to the MK 45
five-inch gun. Ballistic Missile Defense version 5.0 was also included as a
major addition to the combat systems upgrade.
The third ship, USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), conducted an
availability to overhaul and modernize its HM&E systems. The ship received
upgrades to enhance its structural integrity while replacing existing propulsion
plant control systems with new machinery and damage control systems. This
modernization improves the probability that this 17 year-old ship will meet its
expected 35 year service life.
USS The Sullivans is the eleventh Arleigh Burke class destroyer to
receive HM&E upgrades. The modernization was performed at the BAE Systems
Ship Repair shipyard in Mayport, Florida.
All three ships are expected to return to the fleet by early
2015.
The Naval Sea Systems Command directorate for Surface Warfare
(NAVSEA 21) oversees comprehensive lifecycle modernization programs to ensure
ships are primed and ready for tasking in the most sustainable, cost efficient
manner. Program Executive Office Integrated Warfare Systems (PEO IWS) is
responsible for developing, delivering and sustaining surface ship and submarine
combat systems, and for implementing Navy enterprise solutions across numerous
ship types.