US Navy to commission Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Thomas Hudner

The US Navy’s newest Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guided-missile destroyer, the pre-commissioning unit Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), is to be commissioned at Flynn Cruiseport in Boston, Massachusetts.

The future USS Thomas Hudner is the 66th Arleigh Burke-class vessel and the 36th DDG 51-class destroyer constructed by General Dynamics subsidiary Bath Iron Works (BIW).

Following commissioning with the US Navy on 1 December, the destroyer will sail to its homeport at Naval Station Mayport, Florida.

DDG 116 is the first US Navy ship to be named after Thomas Hudner, who displayed ‘conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity’ to save the life of his squadron mate in the Battle of Chosin Reservoir during the Korean War.

US Navy Secretary Richard V Spencer said: “The commissioning of USS Thomas Hudner continues a spirit of faithful service that Thomas Hudner embodied throughout his life, and his legacy will live on in those who serve aboard this ship.

“USS Thomas Hudner is a testament to what the service and teamwork of all of our people, civilian, contractor and military, can accomplish together, from the start of the acquisition process to the delivery, to the start of the first watch.”

Construction on the vessel started on 16 November 2015 and it was christened on 1 April 2017 during a ceremony at BIW shipyard.

Launched on 23 April 2017, the 513ft-long destroyer is equipped with a number of weapons, including integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) capabilities. It can conduct air, surface and subsurface battles simultaneously.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are designed for several missions, ranging from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection.