Way to go, shipbuilders for completing one of the most critical milestones in the construction of Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129).
The team successfully achieved Aegis light-off, signaling the transition from building the ship to proving it is ready to fight.
What Is Aegis Light-Off?
Aegis light-off (ALO) brings the ship’s electrical plant, combat system networks and computing infrastructure online for the first time, allowing shipbuilders and Navy partners to begin testing the systems that will one day detect, track and defeat threats at sea.
It is when the ship’s brain is officially turned on.
Faces Behind the Work
This milestone requires months of coordinated effort across the shipyard. From cable testing, compartment completion efforts and all the support systems needed to start the testing program, this milestone requires months of teamwork and planning.
“This milestone doesn’t just belong to the waterfront team,” said Jeff Davis, DDG Waterfront Construction Manager. “It’s a testament to the tenacity and determination of each shipbuilder across Ingalls doing their jobs the right way—planning every detail, installing and testing every component, and staying laser focused on delivering a quality combat system to the officers and crew of DDG 129.”
Built for the Mission
DDG 129 is a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, designed to deliver increased capability to the fleet using the most advanced radar and combat systems, providing greater power, cooling and computing capacity.
With Aegis light-off achieved, shipbuilders will begin combat system testing and prepare the ship for sea trials. Each milestone builds on the last as DDG 129 moves closer to delivery and service in the fleet.
“Aegis light-off is a turning point for the ship,” said Chris Brown, DDG 129 Ship Program Manager. “With the start of Aegis combat system testing now underway, we will begin to put the combat system through its paces and ready the ship to go to sea and prove out its amazing capability.”
About the Ship
DDG 129 will be the third Flight III destroyer Ingalls delivers to the U.S. Navy. Three additional DDGs are also under construction: George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133) and Thad Cochran (DDG 135).
DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers provide multi-mission capabilities, operating independently or as part of carrier strike groups, surface action groups, amphibious ready groups and replenishment groups.
To date, Ingalls has delivered 36 DDGs to the U.S. Navy, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) and, most recently, the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128).