BATH, Maine -- The Navy accepted delivery of future guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) from shipbuilder General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW), June 15.
DDG 116 is named in honor of the late Capt. Thomas Jerome Hudner Jr. (Ret.), naval aviator and Medal of Honor recipient. Capt. Hudner received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War when he crashed his plane in an effort to save the life of his wingman, Ensign Jesse L. Brown, the Navy’s first African American aviator. Capt. Hudner was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors on April 4, 2018.
During the delivery ceremony, a flag was raised onboard USS Thomas Hudner which was previously flown over Arlington National Cemetery by Capt. Hudner’s former squadron, and also previously flown on USS Constitution Dec. 4, 2017, in honor of the day Capt. Hudner attempted rescue of Ensign Brown.
"The delivery of the future USS Thomas Hudner represents a very special milestone in this shipbuilding program," said Capt. Casey Moton, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. " The ship honors the legacy and heroism of Capt. Hudner and also represents the proud efforts of the shipbuilders at BIW. 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."
DDG 116 is the 66th Arleigh Burke class destroyer and the fourth DDG 51 Flight IIA restart ships to deliver. The ship is equipped with Aegis Baseline 9 combat system, which includes an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capability incorporating Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) 5.0 and Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air. Aegis Baseline 9 IAMD destroyers have increased computing power, along with radar upgrades which improve detection and reaction capabilities against modern anti-air warfare and BMD threats. These capabilities are designed to provide the Navy with a 21st century fighting edge.
BIW is currently constructing four additional Arleigh Burke class destroyers Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), Carl M. Levin (DDG 120), John Basilone (DDG 122) and Harvey C. Barnum, Jr (DDG 124), as well as future Zumwalt class destroyers Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001) and Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002).
As one of the Defense Department's largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, special mission and support ships, boats and craft.
- NAVSEA -