Ted Stevens (DDG 128) Clears Major Sea Trial Milestone: What This Means for U.S. Naval Capability

Ingalls Shipbuilding has just wrapped up the intensive acceptance testing phase for the DDG 128 Ted Stevens, marking another significant step in the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer program. The guided missile destroyer underwent comprehensive evaluation at sea, with the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) overseeing the process to verify that the vessel meets all required operational standards.

Advanced Combat System Takes Another Step Forward

What makes DDG 128 particularly notable is its status as the second Flight III variant rolling off Ingalls’ production line. This destroyer is equipped with the cutting-edge AN/SPY-6 (V)1 radar system paired with Aegis Baseline 10 combat architecture—technology designed to handle emerging threats throughout the 21st century. The successful completion of acceptance trials demonstrates that these advanced systems are performing as intended in real-world maritime conditions.

“This milestone reflects the precision and expertise embedded in every destroyer that comes out of our yards,” said Brian Blanchette, President of Ingalls Shipbuilding. The company views these achievements as central to meeting the U.S. Navy’s increasing requirements for modern surface combatants.

Building On Decades of Experience

The Ted Stevens represents continuity in a long production run: Ingalls has delivered 35 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to date, and the pipeline remains robust. Currently under construction are five additional Flight III variants, including DDG 128, with sibling vessels like Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and Thad Cochran (DDG 135) in various stages of completion.

This sustained production underscores Ingalls Shipbuilding’s role as the U.S. Navy’s primary source for modern destroyer capability—a responsibility the Mississippi-based facility has maintained for 87 years.

Next Phase: Delivery to Fleet

With acceptance trials successfully concluded, the DDG 128 Ted Stevens is slated for handover to the Navy within weeks. Once commissioned, the destroyer will join an expanding fleet of third-generation Burke-class ships, each equipped to project American naval power and strengthen allied partnerships across strategic regions.