Congratulations to VADM John Nowell, Jr. on retirement after 38 years of service. One of eight Arleigh Burke shipmates (to date) that have made flag.
Arleigh Burke Change of Command
Commander Peter Flynn relieved Commander Patrick Chapman as Commanding Officer on Friday, May 20th, 2022. Read more…
Welcome #71, and some thoughts on the endurance of the DDG51 Class
USS Frank E Petersen, DDG 121 was commissioned on Friday, joining the fleet as the 71st in the class.
It wasn’t clear that the class would be this enduring. In 1985, the plan was for 29 ships, to (mostly) replace the Charles F Adams and Coontz class.
Construction continued past 29, ending with #112 as the Navy’s interest was shifting towards DDG1000 and LCS.
After several years gap, it became apparent that the DDG1000 and LCS capability was not panning out, and the DDG51 production line restarted.
Current discussion is for production contracts to extend through 2027, some 42 years after the initial contract was signed for DDG51.
So why has the design proved enduring?
DDG51 Completes Key Readiness Assessments
Arleigh Burke completed Engineering Light Off Assessment, Damage Control Material Assessment, and Board of Inspection and Survey
DDG51 Earns 2021 Battle “E”
Arleigh Burke was recently announced as a winner of Battle E Award for 2021. The Battle “E” recognizes the top ship in each squadron and is awarded for demonstrating sustained superior performance, operational effectiveness, and continuous readiness. This is the same award that was presented to then LCDR Arleigh Burke’s ship, USS Mugford (DD-389), inContinue reading “DDG51 Earns 2021 Battle “E””
Former CO selected for Flag
Flag Officer Announcements FEB. 1, 2022 Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III announced today that the president has made the following nominations: …. Capt. Thomas P. Moninger for appointment to the rank of rear admiral (lower half). Moninger is currently serving as executive officer to commander, U.S. Southern Command, Miami, Florida. Captain Moninger wasContinue reading “Former CO selected for Flag”
20th Anniversary of FM-2
First sea-based BMD Intercept On January 25, 2002, USS Lake Erie engaged and successfully intercepted a unitary ballistic missile target with a STANDARD Missile -3. This was the first successful sea-based BMD intercept and established the momentum for AEGIS BMD that continues until today. Ballistic Missile Defense is a key mission for USS Arleigh BurkeContinue reading “20th Anniversary of FM-2”
2021
USS Arleigh Burke had a productive year. The ship sailed more than 44,000 miles, circumnavigated Europe, and executed operations in the Baltic Sea, Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Barents Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Arctic Ocean. At 30+ years, the ship (and class) remains relevant, capable, ready, and on duty. See the year in review here.
Thanksgiving
Arleigh Burke Association Scholarship
It is time to fund the 2022 scholarship. Funds are due to Anchor (who manages the scholarship) in February 2022. We appreciate donations to the Association in support of this effort. Contributions should be sent to the Treasurer, and marked for the Scholarship.
