HII Authenticates Keel of Guided Missile Destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128)

Rhea-AI Summary

HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division has officially authenticated the keel of the Ted Stevens (DDG 128), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer. Named after former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, the ship honors his service, including his role as a pilot in WWII. The Ted Stevens is the second Flight III destroyer to be constructed at Ingalls, featuring enhanced capabilities for multi-mission operations, integrating advanced technologies for maritime defense. This marks the 76th ship in the Arleigh Burke class, demonstrating HII's commitment to supporting U.S. national security.

Positive

• Keel authentication of Ted Stevens (DDG 128), enhancing HII's shipbuilding portfolio.
• Second Flight III destroyer with significant design upgrades for advanced naval capabilities.
• Supports U.S. military strategy with multi-mission operational capabilities.

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• None.

PASCAGOULA, Miss., March 25, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Global engineering and defense technologies provider HII (NYSE:HII) announced that the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division authenticated the keel of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer Ted Stevens (DDG 128). The ship’s name honors former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, who served as a pilot in World War II and later as a senator representing Alaska. At the time he left office in 2009, he was the longest serving Republican U.S. senator in history.

“With this ship we honor Senator Stevens’ exemplary service to our nation,” said Kari Wilkinson, president of the Ingalls Shipbuilding division. She was joined at the ceremony by the senator’s wife of 29 years, Catherine Stevens; his eldest daughter, Sue Stevens Covich; and by his granddaughter, Laura Sexton, who represented his youngest daughter, Lily Stevens-Becker, who could not attend. “Each one of these women has a unique connection to our ship’s namesake,” Wilkinson said, “and we are grateful that each of them accepted the important responsibility of sponsor. Ingalls shipbuilders welcome them as part of our extended family and we will work steadfastly together to build the legacy of this public servant.”

In a family letter read during the ceremony the sponsors said Senator Stevens would resist any fanfare focused on him. “Most important,” the letter read, “is to acknowledge the men and women who will serve on USS Ted Stevens, as well as every person who is building this ship. Dad spent many years ensuring that the service has the advanced technology needed to keep our country and service members safe. This ship will carry on that legacy.”

Closing out the tradition of a keel authentication ceremony the ship’s sponsors joined Ingalls welder Henry Johnson to weld their initials onto a steel plate, signifying the keel of DDG 128 as being “truly and fairly laid.” The plate will remain affixed to the ship throughout its lifetime.

Ted Stevens is the 76th Arleigh Burke-class ship ceremonially laid and the second Flight III destroyer to be constructed at Ingalls Shipbuilding. The Flight III upgrade incorporates a number of design modifications that collectively provide significantly enhanced capability.

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

A video accompanying this release is available at: https://newsroom.huntingtoningalls.com/file/ted-stevens-ddg-128-keel.

HII is a global engineering and defense technologies provider. With a 135-year history of trusted partnerships in advancing U.S. national security, HII delivers critical capabilities ranging from the most powerful and survivable naval ships ever built, to unmanned systems, ISR and AI/ML analytics. HII leads the industry in mission-driven solutions that support and enable a networked, all-domain force. Headquartered in Virginia, HII’s skilled workforce is 44,000 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:

Danny Hernandez
Danny.J.Hernandez@hii-co.com
(202) 580-9086

FAQ

What is the significance of the keel authentication of <em>Ted Stevens</em> (DDG 128) by HII?

The keel authentication signifies the formal start of construction for the Ted Stevens (DDG 128), an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, enhancing HII's naval shipbuilding capabilities.

When was the keel of the <em>Ted Stevens</em> destroyer authenticated?

The keel of the Ted Stevens (DDG 128) was authenticated on March 25, 2022.

What upgrades does the Flight III destroyer <em>Ted Stevens</em> have?

The Flight III upgrade includes design modifications that enhance the ship's capabilities, allowing for improved multi-mission operations.

What class of ship is <em>Ted Stevens</em> (DDG 128)?

Ted Stevens (DDG 128) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, which is designed for a range of military operations.

Who is <em>Ted Stevens</em> named after?

Ted Stevens is named in honor of former U.S. Senator Ted Stevens, who served as a pilot in World War II and was the longest-serving Republican U.S. senator in history.