PASCAGOULA, Mississippi - The future USS John Finn (DDG 113) was
launched at the Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) shipyard March 28.
During launch the drydock was flooded allowing the 637-foot
floating dock to slowly submerge until the ship was afloat. Once the drydock was
fully submerged, the ship was pulled by tugs to HII's south berth where the ship
will continue outfitting in preparation for test and activation and eventual
delivery to the Navy. The next major milestone is the ship's Aegis system light
off planned for later this year.
"This is the first DDG 51 class ship to launch in almost four years
and we're both proud and excited with the progress the program is making," said
Capt. Mark Vandroff, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office
(PEO) Ships. "I look forward to John Finn joining the fleet and the other ships
of her class to continue in the legacy of success that is the Arleigh Burke
destroyer."
John Finn is the 63rd Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) class destroyer, and
the first of the DDG 51 Flight IIA restart ships. HII currently has three DDG 51
destroyers under construction at the yard and an additional four under contract.
The keel of DDG 113 was laid in November 2013, and the christening ceremony is
planned for May 2.
"DDG 51 production is in full swing at the shipyard," said
Vandroff. "The Navy and shipbuilder are working closely together to ensure
continued quality and value as production continues on the restart
ships."
John Finn will be equipped with the Navy's Aegis Combat System, the
world's foremost integrated naval weapons system. Once operational, the
multi-mission surface combatant will serve as an integral player in global
maritime security, engaging in air, undersea, surface, strike and ballistic
missile defense. DDG 51 Flight IIA ships will provide increased capabilities
over previous flights of Arleigh Burke destroyers, including advances in
anti-submarine warfare, command and control, and anti-surface
warfare.
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, and special warfare craft. Currently,
the majority of shipbuilding programs managed by PEO Ships are benefiting from
serial production efficiencies, which are critical to delivering ships on cost
and schedule.