john finn ddg 113

The US Navy’s newest Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) Aegis guided missile destroyer, John Finn (DDG 113), has been launched at Huntington Ingalls Industries‘ (HII) shipyard.

John Finn, which was keel laid in November 2013, is the 63rd DDG 51 destroyer, and the first of the DDG 51 Flight IIA restart ships.

US Navy DDG 51-class programme manager captain Mark Vandroff said: "This is the first DDG 51-class ship to launch in almost four years, and we’re both proud and excited with the progress the programme is making.

"I look forward to John Finn joining the fleet and the other ships of her class to continue in the legacy of success that is the Arleigh Burke destroyer."

HII will continue outfitting the destroyer in preparation for the ship’s scheduled delivery to the navy in the third quarter of 2016.

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"This is the first DDG 51-class ship to launch in almost four years, and we’re both proud and excited with the progress the programme is making."

The DDG 113, which will be equipped with the Aegis combat system and the SPY-1D multi-function phased array radar, is set to undergo it’s Aegis system light off later this year.

The destroyer’s christening ceremony, where it will be named after a Medal of Honor recipient, is scheduled to take place on 2 May.

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers provide anti-submarine, anti-air and anti-surface capabilities for the navy, while also supporting carrier battle, surface action, amphibious and replenishment groups.

Ralph Johnson (DDG 114), Paul Ignatius (DDG 117) and Delbert D. Black (DDG 119) destroyers are currently under construction at Ingalls Shipbuilding, which has delivered 28 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the navy so far.

Image: Ingalls Shipbuilding launched the Arleigh Burke-class Aegis guided missile destroyer, John Finn (DDG 113). Photo: courtesy of Andrew Young/HII.