The US Navy has received the future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), marking the official handover of the final Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer from Bath Iron Works to the Navy.
The official transfer on 28 May occurred more than two months ahead of schedule, following what Navy officials described as successful and accelerated sea trials.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
Bath Iron Works and the Navy conducted hull, mechanical, electrical, and combat systems testing during these builder’s trials, which were carried out in a single, condensed phase.
The ship’s material condition during the trials contributed to the expedited process, according to US Navy sources.
DDG 51 Class programme manager and Deputy Portfolio Acquisition Executive, Combatants captain Jay Young said: “DDG 127 conducted an accelerated block builder’s sea trial as a result of the phenomenal coordination between the Navy and Bath Iron Works.
“The ship’s outstanding material condition during sea trials paved the way for accelerating ship delivery by over two months, which will allow the fleet to employ this capability even sooner.”
To achieve the earlier delivery date, US Navy and industry teams reviewed processes to streamline operations and shorten the intervals between trial events, with the goal of maximising operational value and ensuring construction was completed prior to acceptance.
The accelerated handover provides additional time for crew training and certification, enabling the crew to establish ownership of the new vessel ahead of its entry into service, the US Navy stated.
The future USS Patrick Gallagher is the final Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built in the Flight IIA configuration.
Construction of the vessel began in 2018 at Bath Iron Works in Maine. The keel-laying ceremony took place in 2022, and the ship was launched on 16 October 2024.
The Arleigh Burke-class AEGIS destroyer is 509 feet, 6 inches in length with a draft of 21 feet, 6 and three-quarter inches.
The future USS Patrick Gallagher is scheduled to be homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. Final work on DDG 127 is being completed under the supervision of Naval Sea Systems Command at Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.
No date has been announced for the ship’s commissioning.
