HII Launches Future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), Advancing Naval Capabilities
HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division has achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of the future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129) on March 25, 2025. This event marks the third Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer constructed at the Pascagoula, Mississippi shipyard.
The launch process involved transferring DDG 129 from land to a dry dock using translation railcars. Once positioned, the vessel was floated and maneuvered by tugboats to a pier, where it will undergo final outfitting, systems activation, and rigorous testing before commissioning into the U.S. Navy fleet.
DDG 129 honors the legacy of former U.S. Senator Jeremiah Denton Jr., a distinguished Vietnam War veteran awarded the Navy Cross for his valor as a prisoner of war. Following his military service, Denton represented Alabama in the U.S. Senate after his election in 1980.
As a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the future USS Jeremiah Denton is equipped with the advanced AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System. These enhancements significantly bolster the Navy's ability to detect, track, and engage contemporary threats, ensuring operational superiority well into the 21st century.
Ingalls Shipbuilding currently has five Flight III destroyers under construction: Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and Thad Cochran (DDG 135). This ongoing production underscores the shipyard's commitment to delivering state-of-the-art vessels that enhance the Navy's combat readiness and global presence.
The successful launch of DDG 129 reflects the dedication and expertise of Ingalls Shipbuilding's workforce and highlights the collaborative efforts with Navy partners. As the future USS Jeremiah Denton progresses through its final phases, it stands poised to join the fleet as a formidable asset in safeguarding national interests and maintaining maritime security.
