Destroyer Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) Sailed Away from Ingalls Shipbuilding

Rhea-AI Summary

HII has successfully launched the Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), the 34^th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division. The commissioning is scheduled for next month in Key West, Florida, before the ship heads to its homeport in San Diego. This marks the final Flight IIA destroyer as the Navy transitions to the advanced Flight III class. The new design enhancements significantly improve capabilities. HII continues to produce upcoming Flight III ships, which will enhance the U.S. Navy's operational capabilities. This reflects HII's ongoing commitment to national defense and advanced maritime solutions.

Positive

• Successful launch of the Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123), enhancing HII's ongoing production capabilities.
• Finalizes Flight IIA destroyer construction, paving the way for transition to advanced Flight III destroyers.
• Flight III destroyer design modifications offer significantly enhanced operational capabilities.

Negative

• None.

PASCAGOULA, Miss., April 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) departed from HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division Monday. DDG 123 will be commissioned next month at the Port of Key West in Key West, Florida, before sailing to its homeport in San Diego.

“Watching Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee sail away is a proud moment for our entire DDG shipbuilding team,” Ingalls Shipbuilding Vice President of Operations Donny Dorsey said. “Our shipbuilders continue to deliver some of the most capable destroyers to the fleet, and DDG 123 is no exception.”

Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee is the 34^th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ingalls has built for the U.S. Navy and is the final Flight IIA ship built at Ingalls as the Navy transitions to Flight III destroyers. Ingalls currently has in production the future Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), and Sam Nunn (DDG 133). The Flight III upgrade incorporates a number of design modifications that collectively provide significantly enhanced capability. The first Flight III ship will deliver to Navy later this year.

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/destroyer-lenah-sutcliffe-higbee-ddg-123-ingalls-shipbuilding-sail-away

DDG 123 is named to honor Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, a Navy nurse and first living woman to receive the Navy Cross for her heroic actions during World War I. Higbee joined the Navy in October 1908 as part of the newly established Navy Nurse Corps, a group of women who would become known as “The Sacred Twenty,” and became the second superintendent of the Navy Nurse Corps in January 1911. The ship’s motto truly reflects the heritage of this naval hero — Bellatrix illa, meaning “she is a warrior.”

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships that can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, all in support of the national defense strategy. Guided missile destroyers are capable of simultaneously fighting air, surface and subsurface battles. These ships contain a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.

About HII

HII is a global, all-domain defense provider. HII’s mission is to deliver the world’s most powerful ships and all-domain solutions in service of the nation, creating the advantage for our customers to protect peace and freedom around the world.

As the nation’s largest military shipbuilder, and with a more than 135-year history of advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities extending from ships to unmanned systems, cyber, ISR, AI/ML and synthetic training. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s workforce is 43,000 strong. For more information, visit:

• HII on the web: https://www.HII.com/
• HII on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeamHII
• HII on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:
Kimberly Aguillard
Kimberly.K.Aguillard@hii-co.com
(228) 935-6821

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4ad015f-27f3-4ab0-bc3d-9ecb70c1b2fb

FAQ

What is the significance of the <em>Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee</em> (DDG 123) launch for HII?

The launch signifies HII's continued expertise in shipbuilding and the transition from Flight IIA to advanced Flight III destroyers, ensuring enhanced operational capabilities for the U.S. Navy.

When will the <em>Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee</em> (DDG 123) be commissioned?

The Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG 123) is scheduled for commissioning next month at the Port of Key West, Florida.

What are the upcoming destroyers HII is producing?

HII is currently producing several Flight III destroyers, including Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), and Sam Nunn (DDG 133).

What does the <em>Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee</em> (DDG 123) honor?

The destroyer is named to honor Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee, a Navy nurse and the first living woman to receive the Navy Cross for her heroic actions during World War I.