Category Archives: DDG51_Class

Andy Summers Oral History

The latest oral history interview in our History Project is now posted – interview with Andy Summers.

Andy Summers was a key leader in DDG-51 design from initial concept studies, becoming Ship Design Manager as construction was completed and the ship commissioned. If there is anyone who knew why the ship was designed the way is was, it is Andy. And that design has stood the test of time.

The fact that it cost what we said it was going to cost, the fact that it weighed what we said it would, the fact that it actually worked, is for the US Navy not easy on new ships. 

You could see there’s still problems, new carriers, LCSs and other ships, all kinds of problems. New classes are tough, really tough. And a lot of these guys that work the 25th ship and they’re tweaking things; it’s not that much risk. But when you’re on the new ship, everything’s a risk.

Andy Summer Interview, page 42

Andy also provided some key historical documents for the association archives, including:

DDG51 Guided-Missile Destroyer Contract Design History – Naval Sea Sysems Command – Jan 1985

DDG51 Guided·Missle Destroyer Preliminary Design History – Naval Sea Systems Command – June 1984 (Rev Aug 1985)

Rough Seas

Some of Andy’s memorabilia
More memorabilia to be scanned for DDG51.org archives
Andy Summers and Kenyon Hiser

AEGIS BMD – 20 Years on Patrol

Long Range Surveillance and Track Capability

Ballistic Missile Defense System Initial Defensive Operations commenced on September 30, 2004, in response to National Security Presidential Directive 23.

Two destroyers, USS Curtis Wilbur and USS John S. McCain were outfitted with the long range surveillance and track capability, supporting defense of the homeland by providing radar track data to the Ground-Based Midcourse system.

Later in October 2004, the initial deployment SM-3 Block I missiles were transferred to the US Navy.

SM-3 Initial Deployment Rounds

Since then, AEGIS BMD, hosted in AEGIS Cruisers and Destroyers has been on patrol, with continuously advancing levels of combat system performance supporting more capable missiles: SM-3 Blocks I, IA, IB, and IIA, and SM-6.

Continue reading “AEGIS BMD – 20 Years on Patrol”

74th and 78th Arleigh Burke Class Destroyers Christened

Harvey C Barnum

The USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124) was christened at Bath Iron Works on July 29, 2023. The ship is named in honor of Harvey C. Barnum Jr., a retired United States Marine Corps officer who received the Medal of Honor for valor during the Vietnam War.
Video
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Ted Stevens

The USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) was christened at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula Mississippi on Aug 19, 2023. The ship is named in honor of Ted Stevens who served as a U.S. Senator for Alaska for over 40 years.
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DDG51 Service Life Extended to 40 years

OPNAV N96 recently approved a five-year service life extension for USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51).
 
First-in-class Arleigh Burke’s estimated service life was 35 years, expected to expire in FY 2026, but efforts began early last year to request additional service time for the ship. The approval extension carries the ship out through FY 2031 now, when the ship will be 40 years old.
 
According to Rear Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, the extension is a testament to the success of the DDG 51 program as a whole and is an example of the Navy’s enduring relationship with industry partners.

“DDG 51’s are the best warships in history. They demonstrate that there are no limits to what we can accomplish with a strong American Navy-industrial partnership”

“Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are the backbone of the Navy’s surface fleet and critical to the Nation and the Navy today and long into the future.”

Rear Adm. Brendan McLane, commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic

Read more at: USS ARLEIGH BURKE (DDG 51) RECEIVES SERVICE LIFE EXTENSION – Naval Surface Force Atlantic Press Release – March 14, 2023

90th DDG 51 Class Ship Named

SECNAV announced that DDG 140 will honor retired Captain Thomas G. Kelley, a Medal of Honor recipient. The name was selected in 2020 by Secretary of the Navy Richard Spencer but not assigned to a specific hull.

On June 15, 1969, Kelley led river assault craft boats when they fell under attack. Kelley, while severely wounded, continued to protect and lead his men to safety. For this gallant effort, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

Kelley, despite his injuries, continued his naval career, serving as executive officer on USS Sample (DE 1048) and commanding officer on USS Lang (FF 1060). 

Learn more about Capt Kelley.

DDG 140 was appropriated in the fiscal year 2023 budget and will be building during the 40th year of construction of the class.