HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding unit has launched the future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131), the fourth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer at its facility on 1 April 2026.
The launch follows a series of essential construction activities carried out by the shipbuilders. These include the installation of critical components and inspections to verify the vessel’s readiness for water entry.
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Following these, workers moved the ship from land into a dry dock, where they completed final assessments before flooding the dock and enabling the ship’s first flotation.
The next stage for the George M. Neal involves outfitting, activation of systems and testing to prepare for sea trials.
Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG 51 programme manager Chris Brown said: “Launching DDG 131 is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our Ingalls shipbuilders. Seeing the ship reach the water for the first time is a proud moment for everyone involved and a real testament to the people who make this work possible for our US Navy.”
Named after George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran awarded the Navy Cross for actions under enemy fire, DDG 131 features the Flight III AN/SPY-6 (V)1 radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system.
The ship measures between 509.5 and 513.0 feet (ft) in length, with a maximum beam of 66ft and a draft of 31ft.
Its propulsion relies on four LM2500 GE marine gas turbines powering two propellers, and it displaces between 9,192 and 9,217 tons at full load. The ship can reach speeds of up to 31 knots.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are commissioned to carry out multiple roles, including peacetime missions, crisis response, sea control and power projection. They can also engage airborne, surface, and subsurface targets.
Ingalls Shipbuilding authenticated the vessel’s keel in December 2023.
Last month, the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), the US Navy’s latest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer (DDG), arrived at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, ahead of its commissioning set for 11 April.
