HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding Undocks USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000)

Rhea-AI Summary

HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division has successfully undocked the USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), marking a significant milestone in the ship's modernization process. The lead ship of the Navy's Zumwalt-class guided missile destroyers underwent substantial upgrades since August 2023, including the integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon system and replacement of its original twin 155mm Advanced Gun Systems with new missile tubes.

The Zumwalt-class destroyers are equipped with advanced features including an electric propulsion system, wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design, and cutting-edge warfighting technology. These vessels are designed to perform various missions including deterrence, power projection, sea control, and command and control operations.

Positive

• Successful completion of significant modernization work
• Integration of advanced Conventional Prompt Strike weapon system
• Strategic upgrade from gun systems to missile tubes enhancing combat capabilities

Negative

• None.

Insights

Defense Industry Analyst

The successful undocking of USS Zumwalt with its new Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) capability represents a significant technological upgrade for the U.S. Navy's most advanced destroyer. The replacement of the 155mm Advanced Gun Systems with new missile tubes is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses previous limitations and enhances the vessel's strategic value. This modernization work by HII strengthens their position in the naval defense sector and demonstrates their capability to handle complex military vessel upgrades. The integration of hypersonic weapons capability makes the Zumwalt a more formidable platform, potentially leading to additional upgrade contracts for the remaining ships in the class. This project showcases HII's ability to adapt and modernize cutting-edge naval technology, which could positively impact their future contract opportunities with the Navy.

Naval Engineering Expert

The undocking milestone highlights HII's technical prowess in executing complex warship modifications. The integration of the CPS system into the Zumwalt's unique tumblehome hull design requires exceptional engineering expertise. This upgrade transforms the vessel from its original concept as a naval gunfire support platform to a strategic strike asset. The successful modification work demonstrates HII's adaptability in handling sophisticated engineering challenges, which is important for maintaining their competitive edge in the naval shipbuilding sector. The electric propulsion system combined with the new weapons capability positions this platform at the forefront of naval technology, potentially leading to follow-on modernization contracts for similar vessels.

PASCAGOULA, Miss., Dec. 06, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HII’s (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division successfully undocked USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), the lead ship of the U.S. Navy’s Zumwalt-class of guided missile destroyers, taking the ship one step closer to testing and returning to the U.S. Navy fleet.  

“In partnership with the Navy we are steadfast in our commitment to complete this complex work that adds significant hypersonic capability to Zumwalt,” HII President and CEO Chris Kastner said. “We are proud to support the incorporation of the conventional prompt strike for the Navy.”

The undocking marked the completion of significant modernization work at Ingalls since the ship arrived at the Pascagoula shipyard in August 2023. Shortly after its arrival, the ship was put back on land in order to receive technology upgrades including the integration of the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) weapon system. The Ingalls team also replaced the original twin 155mm Advanced Gun Systems on the destroyers with new missile tubes.

Zumwalt-class destroyers feature a state-of-the-art electric propulsion system, wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design and is equipped with the most advanced warfighting technology and weaponry. These ships will be capable of performing a range of deterrence, power projection, sea control, and command and control missions while allowing Navy to evolve with new systems and missions.

Photos accompanying this release are available at: https://hii.com/news/hiis-ingalls-shipbuilding-undocks-uss-zumwalt-ddg-1000/.

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 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 X: https://www.twitter.com/WeAreHII
• HII on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WeAreHII

Contact:

Kimberly K. Aguillard
228-355-5663
Kimberly.K.Aguillard@hii-co.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eb1ca1f1-d87c-42d3-9375-1a3008cdf656

FAQ

What major upgrades did USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) receive at HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding?

USS Zumwalt received the Conventional Prompt Strike weapon system integration and replacement of its twin 155mm Advanced Gun Systems with new missile tubes.

When did USS Zumwalt arrive at HII's Pascagoula shipyard for modernization?

USS Zumwalt arrived at the Pascagoula shipyard in August 2023.

What are the key features of the Zumwalt-class destroyers built by HII?

Zumwalt-class destroyers feature an electric propulsion system, wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design, and advanced warfighting technology and weaponry.