Next-Generation Flight III Destroyer Ted Stevens Completes Crucial Builder’s Trials

Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of HII, has successfully completed builder’s sea trials for the guided missile destroyer USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128), marking a major step forward in the construction of the U.S. Navy’s latest Flight III Arleigh Burke–class destroyer.

Milestone at Sea

The builder’s trials took place in the Gulf of Mexico and spanned several days, putting the ship through demanding tests of engineering, navigation, and combat systems. These evaluations ensure that the ship’s critical systems meet Navy standards before moving on to acceptance trials and eventual delivery.

During the trials, Ingalls teams carried out a comprehensive range of hull, mechanical, and electrical assessments, while also testing the ship’s advanced AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar, a central upgrade for the Flight III class.

Ben Barnett, Ingalls Shipbuilding’s DDG program manager, praised the joint efforts of Ingalls and Navy crews, noting that their determination reflects the shared urgency of delivering highly capable ships that safeguard U.S. national security.

Flight III: The Next Generation

The Flight III Arleigh Burke destroyers represent a major leap in surface combat capability. Their most significant enhancements include:

• AN/SPY-6(V)1 Radar with far greater detection range and sensitivity.

• Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System, integrating advanced radar with powerful missile defense capabilities.

• Stronger power and cooling systems to support high-energy weapons and future upgrades.

• Design modifications to enable multi-mission warfare, including air defense, anti-submarine, and surface operations.

These destroyers are designed to handle evolving 21st-century threats, from ballistic missiles to sophisticated aerial and maritime challenges.

The Story of DDG-128

Construction of USS Ted Stevens began with its keel authentication in March 2022. The ship was launched in August 2023 and christened shortly afterward in a ceremony at Pascagoula, Mississippi. Named in honor of Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska, the vessel recognizes his long service and strong support for the U.S. military.

Ingalls Shipbuilding has already delivered 35 Arleigh Burke–class destroyers to the Navy, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG-125), in 2023. Currently, five more Flight III destroyers are under construction at Ingalls: Ted Stevens (DDG-128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG-129), George M. Neal (DDG-131), Sam Nunn (DDG-133), and Thad Cochran (DDG-135).

Building Capacity for the Future

To meet increasing Navy demand, HII has expanded its production strategy. Ingalls is partnering with shipyards and fabricators across several states, where outfitted structural units are built, inspected, and accepted before being shipped to Pascagoula for final assembly. This approach increases throughput and ensures timely delivery of more warships.

As the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi, Ingalls Shipbuilding has played a crucial role in U.S. naval strength for over 86 years, building amphibious ships and destroyers that form the backbone of the fleet.

With builder’s trials successfully completed, DDG-128 will soon undergo acceptance trials under Navy supervision. After any final adjustments, the ship will be delivered and commissioned into service.

Once operational, USS Ted Stevens will join the Navy’s front line of defense, equipped with advanced radar, missile-defense capabilities, and combat systems that will keep the U.S. fleet prepared for decades to come.