Zumwalt-class destroyer

The Navy officially accepted delivery of its first Zumwalt-class destroyer, and is now ready to begin certifications for the nearly 150 sailors.

The USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) delivery follows extensive tests, trials and demonstrations of the ship’s hull, mechanical, and electrical systems including the ‘ship’s boat handling, anchor and mooring systems as well as major demonstrations of the damage control, ballasting, navigation and communications systems.’

Images credit U.S. Navy

Ship is tailored for sustained operations in the littorals and land attack, support special operations forces, and operate as an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces.

Captain James Kirk, (it’ll be a crime if this guy doesn’t get command of the next USS Enterprise, as Autoblog Military mentioned), said in a statement:

Zumwalt’s crew has diligently trained for months in preparation of this day and they are ready and excited to take charge of this ship on behalf of the U.S. Navy. These are 143 of our nation’s finest men and women who continue to honor Adm. Zumwalt’s namesake with their dedication to bringing this ship to life.”

 Zumwalt-class destroyer

Rear Admiral Jim Downey, DDG 1000 program manager and Program Executive Office Ships, said:

“Today represents a significant achievement for not only the DDG 1000 program and shipbuilding team but for the entire US Navy. This impressive ship incorporates a new design alongside the integration of sophisticated new technologies that will lead the Navy into the next generation of capabilities.”

The USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) multi-mission ship will provide independent forward presence and deterrence, support special operations forces, and operate as an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces. (U.S. Navy video courtesy of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works/Released)

via Autoblog Military

source US Navy