The future USS Lyndon
B. Johnson (DDG 1002) was launched at General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works
shipyard. U.S. Navy Photo
U.S. Navy’s Third and Final
Zumwalt Destroyer Launched at Bath Iron Works
The third and final vessel in the U.S. Navy Zumwalt-class stealth destroyer
program was launched Sunday at the General Dyanamics Bath Iron Works shipyard
in Bath, Maine.
Like the two
other ships in the class, the launching of the future USS Lyndon B. Johnson
(DDG 1002) was actually a multi-day process that included moving the ship from
the on-land facility to the dry dock, which was then slowly flooded.
With the ship
now in the water, final outfitting and production can commence.
“It’s important for the DDG
1000 program and shipyard to reach this major milestone,” said Capt. Kevin
Smith, DDG 1000 program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “With
the first two ships of the class underway, we are excited to continue the next
phase of construction of the future Lyndon B. Johnson.”
Zumwalt-class
destroyers feature state-of-the-art electric propulsion, a tumblehome hull, and
a stealth design. They are also equipped with the most advanced warfighting
technology and weaponry, making them capable of performing a range of
deterrence, power projection, sea control, and command and control
missions.
The future
Lyndon B. Johnson is the third and final DDG 1000 Zumwalt-class ship, and it is
scheduled to be christened in the spring of 2019. The first ship in the class,
USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000), was commissioned in October 2016. The second ship, USS
Michael Monsoor (DDG-1001), was christened in June 2016 and is set for
commissioning in 2019.
Each ship in
the class displaces 15,995 metric tons and measures 610-feet long and 80.7-feet
in beam. The vessels have top speed of 30 knots and crew of 175.
“The crew of
Lyndon B. Johnson looks forward to bringing this great warship honoring our
36th President to life, and we’re proud to have the opportunity to be present
for this important step in the ship’s construction,” said Capt. Jeremy Gray,
prospective commanding officer, DDG 1002. “It is truly impressive to see the
ship afloat in the Kennebec River for the first time and we look forward to
taking her to sea.”
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.
Source: gcaptain.com
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