Way to go, shipbuilders! Ted Stevens (DDG 128) has successfully completed the first of two Full Ship Shock Trials.
Conducted at sea, these trials evaluate a ship's ability to withstand the intense shock forces that can occur in a combat environment. During the test, controlled underwater explosive charges are detonated near the vessel while engineers assess the performance of the hull, propulsion, combat systems and other mission-critical equipment.
The successful completion of the first trial marks another important step toward validating DDG 128's survivability and mission readiness.
“From laying the keel to here, the DDG 128 team has remained focused on getting every detail right,” said Lauren Daniel, DDG 128 Ship Program Manager. “This achievement is yet another reminder that Ingalls shipbuilders are committed to delivering ships to the Navy as safely and quickly as possible.”
Next Step Toward Delivery
The first Full Ship Shock Trial provides engineers with critical data to evaluate how the ship performs under the extreme conditions it could encounter during combat.
“When a ship performs under one of the Navy's most demanding tests, it reinforces the quality built into every stage of construction,” said Chris Brown, DDG51 Program Manager. “That's something every member of the DDG 128 team should be proud of."
A second shock trial will complete the test series, helping ensure DDG 128 is prepared to meet the demanding requirements of the U.S. Navy before joining the fleet.
About The Ship
The future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128) is the second Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ingalls has delivered to the Navy. Flight III ships feature the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and enhanced power and cooling capabilities that significantly increase the Navy's ability to detect and defend against evolving air and missile threats.
Once delivered, DDG 128 will honor former U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens of Alaska, the longest-serving Republican senator in U.S. history and a decorated World War II veteran.