BATH, Maine - The future USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001),
completed the successful lift and integration of the deckhouse on to the ship's
hull at General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard Nov.14.
The Michael Monsoor will be the second ship of the DDG 1000
Zumwalt class, the U.S. Navy's next generation destroyer. Deckhouse integration
is a major milestone for the ship and the DDG 1000 program.
"This is a major milestone for the ship and the program as the
Michael Monsoor continues construction and prepares to enter the test &
activation phase on the heels of DDG 1000," said Capt. Jim Downey, DDG 1000
class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "As the final
joining of a deckhouse and hull in this manner, I am proud of the work that has
been accomplished with our industry partners. The tremendous design, planning,
and construction efforts that were instrumental to this program resulted in the
successful lift and integration of the deckhouse resulting in a full ship. I
look forward to delivering this highly capable ship to the Fleet."
Using four cranes, the ship's 1000-ton deckhouse with lifting
fixture was lifted to a position where it could be integrated with the hull. The
610 foot hull was then translated into position, under the deckhouse, so the
deckhouse could be lowered and integrated onto the hull.
The deckhouse was fabricated by Huntington Ingalls Industries in
Gulfport, Mississippi and delivered to the Navy in July. The deckhouse was then
transported to Maine for integration with the ship's hull, which is under
construction at the BIW shipyard.
DDG 1001 started fabrication in March 2010. With its keel laid
May 23, 2013, the ship is currently 79 percent complete with delivery planned in
2017.
DDG 1001 will be 610 feet in length, have a beam of 80.7 feet,
displace approximately 15,000 tons and will have a crew of 158 officers and
Sailors, including aviation detachment. The approximately 900-ton deckhouse,
which is built from composite materials, is 155 feet long and over 50 feet high
and will house the ship's bridge, radars, antennas and intake and exhaust
systems.
Progress on the DDG 1000 Zumwalt class guided missile destroyers
continues to go well, with all three ships under construction. The future USS
Zumwalt (DDG 1000), named for former Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Elmo R.
"Bud" Zumwalt, launched Oct. 28, 2013 and was christened April 12, 2014. The
future Michael Monsoor, named for Medal of Honor recipient Petty Officer Michael
Monsoor, had its keel laid May 23, 2013, and the future Lyndon B Johnson (DDG
1002), named for the former U.S. president, started fabrication April 4, 2012.
The DDG 1000 class destroyers are designed for sustained
operations in the littorals and land attack and will provide independent forward
presence and deterrence, support special operations forces, and operate as an
integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces. This warship
integrates numerous critical technologies, systems, and principles into a
complete warfighting system.
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. Delivering high-quality war fighting assets -
while balancing affordability and capability - is key to supporting the Navy's
Maritime Strategy.