The US Navy has commissioned USS Jack H Lucas (DDG-125), its first Flight III variant Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, in Tampa, Florida.
The guided-missile destroyer incorporates upgraded electrical power and cooling systems, as well as an AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar, the navy’s next-generation radar system.
The destroyer is also fitted with Lockheed Martin’s upgraded AEGIS Weapon System Baseline 10 software, which controls all of the ship’s weapons suite and provides a wider view of potential threats at a greater distance.
DDG-125 is set to join the navy’s surface fleet for improved peacetime presence and national security.
Safeguarding the Waters
Navy Undersecretary Erik Raven led the ship’s commissioning ceremony, stressing the importance of DDG-125’s role in the US’ push for advanced defense protocols.
“Commissioning the Jack H. Lucas means we continue to deliver fast, agile, and networked surface combatants to the Navy. The Jack H. Lucas is built to fight. It is a fast, maneuverable, versatile, and lethal ship – capable of tackling any mission it is given,” he said.
“It will keep the Navy and Marine Corps adaptive and ready, and also uphold our commitment to maintaining the free flow of commerce, deterring military aggression, and facilitating quick responses to natural disasters across the globe.”
An Enduring Line
DDG-125’s commissioning comes after its on-sea acceptance trials back in May.
The Arleigh Burke-class ships hold the record for the longest production run for any US Navy surface combatant, having completed 73 ships since its production in 1988.
Four more Flight III destroyers are set to be commissioned by the US Navy, namely USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG-129), George M. Neal (DDG-131), and Sam Nunn (DDG-133).