The US Navy has officially accepted the USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), the 78th Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer, following its delivery from HII Ingalls Shipbuilding. The transfer marks the ship’s formal entry into naval service after successfully completing a series of dockside and sea trials.
The USS Ted Stevens is the third Flight III destroyer in the Arleigh Burke program, featuring the advanced AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar and Aegis Baseline 10 combat system. These upgrades significantly enhance the Navy’s ability to detect, track, and counter modern air, surface, and ballistic missile threats in high-end maritime environments.
Named after Ted Stevens, Alaska’s longest-serving Republican senator, the destroyer joins a growing fleet of next-generation surface combatants. HII is currently constructing seven additional Arleigh Burke-class ships at various stages, bringing its total deliveries under the program to 36 vessels.
Depending on the flight variant, Arleigh Burke destroyers measure 505 to 510 feet in length and are powered by Allison T56 generators, enabling speeds of up to 30 knots and an operational range of 4,400 nautical miles. The ships carry a comprehensive weapons and sensor suite, support a crew of about 300 sailors, and can operate naval helicopters and rigid-hull inflatable boats for multi-mission operations.
