HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division marked a significant milestone by successfully launching the USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129) on March 25, 2025. This vessel is the third Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be constructed at the company’s Pascagoula, Mississippi shipyard. Named after former U.S. Senator Jeremiah Denton Jr., a Vietnam War veteran and recipient of the Navy Cross for his courageous actions as a prisoner of war, DDG 129 embodies both military history and technological advancement.
The transfer of DDG 129 from the land to the dry dock was accomplished using translation railcars, facilitating a seamless move to the water. Following this, tugs were employed to maneuver the ship to its designated pier within the shipyard.
Ben Barnett, the DDG program manager at Ingalls Shipbuilding, emphasized the launch as a collaborative success, acknowledging the dedication of both the shipbuilders and their Navy partners. He noted that the future USS Jeremiah Denton is now set for critical final outfitting, systems activation, and testing operations before officially joining the fleet.
The Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System. These advancements are vital for addressing 21st-century threats effectively. Currently, Ingalls Shipbuilding is also constructing several other Flight III destroyers, including DDG 128 (Ted Stevens), DDG 131 (George M. Neal), DDG 133 (Sam Nunn), and DDG 135 (Thad Cochran).
This launch not only showcases the capabilities of HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding but also reinforces the enduring legacy of military service represented by individuals like Senator Denton. The ongoing development of Flight III destroyers illustrates the commitment to maintaining naval superiority with state-of-the-art technology designed for contemporary challenges.
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