U.S. Navy Strengthens Fleet With Flight III Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer USS Ted Stevens

The U.S. Navy formally took delivery of the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, from HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division on December 29, 2025. This milestone represents the Navy’s acceptance of the vessel into the fleet following completion of construction and testing.

USS Ted Stevens DDG 128. Credit: HII

The destroyer honors former United States Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska, who was the longest-serving Republican senator in American history. Stevens held the position of president pro tempore of the Senate during the 108th and 109th Congresses and later became the third senator to be recognized with the title of president pro tempore emeritus.

The Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships oversees the acquisition and development of destroyers, amphibious vessels, auxiliary ships, sealift platforms, special mission craft, and other support ships. Within this framework, the Arleigh Burke-class program continues to deliver advanced warships to the fleet.

Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers are equipped with the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar, a system designed to significantly enhance detection and engagement capabilities. These ships also incorporate expanded electrical power generation and cooling systems, along with other technical modifications, to support the increased demands of modern naval warfare.

The delivery of DDG 128 followed extensive sea trials and pier-side evaluations, which tested propulsion systems, combat readiness, communications, and navigation performance. These assessments ensured the vessel met operational standards before being transferred to the Navy.

Capt. Jay Young, Arleigh Burke-class Program Manager at PEO Ships, emphasized the importance of the new destroyer, stating that the addition of the future USS Ted Stevens provides the fleet with another highly capable warship. He noted that DDG 128 strengthens maritime superiority and serves as a lasting tribute to its namesake’s service to the nation.

Ingalls Shipbuilding continues production of additional Flight III destroyers, including the future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), USS George M. Neal (DDG 131), USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and USS Thad Cochran (DDG 135). These ships are part of the ongoing effort to expand and modernize the Navy’s surface combatant force.

The official transfer of DDG 128 from the shipbuilder to the Navy underscores the continued partnership between industry and the service in delivering advanced platforms. With its enhanced radar, upgraded systems, and proven performance, the future USS Ted Stevens is expected to play a critical role in maintaining naval dominance at sea.

Flight III Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyers Key Feature Upgrades

Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers introduce a new generation of capabilities, anchored by the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar. This advanced sensor delivers far greater detection and tracking performance compared to its predecessors, enabling the ships to counter a wide spectrum of threats including ballistic, cruise, and hypersonic missiles. Coupled with the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, the radar forms the backbone of a significantly enhanced integrated air and missile defense architecture. To sustain these energy-intensive systems, the destroyers are equipped with upgraded electrical generation and cooling capacity, ensuring reliable operation and margin for future technologies. The result is a warship designed to remain central to U.S. Navy operations for decades to come.

Beyond the new radar and combat system, Flight III ships incorporate substantial improvements in power and cooling infrastructure. Modernized electrical generators such as the AG9160 provide the necessary output to support the radar’s demanding requirements, while expanded cooling systems maintain performance under heavy loads. These upgrades are not only essential for current systems but also create the foundation for integrating emerging technologies, including directed energy weapons, which require significant electrical and thermal support.

The importance of Flight III lies in its ability to deliver enhanced integrated air and missile defense against evolving threats. Hypersonic weapons, stealth aircraft, and complex raid scenarios demand advanced detection and engagement capabilities. By combining the AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar with Aegis Baseline 10, the destroyers achieve improved weapon-target pairing and more effective raid management, strengthening the protection of carrier strike groups and homeland defense.

While the Flight III design represents the future of the class, modernization efforts continue for earlier Flight IIA destroyers. Many of these ships are being fitted with systems such as the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) Block III, which enhances electronic warfare capabilities. Plans also include integration of directed energy weapons and new missile launchers, ensuring that older vessels remain relevant and capable in the evolving threat environment.

The multi-mission nature of the Arleigh Burke-class remains intact in Flight III. In addition to air and missile defense, the ships continue to perform anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface operations, and strike missions. This versatility ensures that the destroyers can operate across the full spectrum of naval warfare, supporting both independent operations and fleet-level engagements.