The unmanned surface vessel Ranger transits the Pacific Ocean during Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 23.2, Sep. 15, 2023. US Navy Photo
Japan Welcomes the US Navy’s ‘Ghost Fleet’: A Showcase of Unmanned Maritime Technology and Strategy
Why this matters • The US Navy’s ‘Ghost Fleet’ is in Japan to test and demonstrate its unmanned vessels. These ships can operate autonomously or remotely, with advanced sensors and weapons. They can also link with other Aegis vessels, creating a networked force multiplier. #GhostFleet #Aegis #USNavy • Japan welcomes the US Navy’s ‘Ghost Fleet’, a program that aims to integrate unmanned vessels into its fleet. These ships are equipped with the Aegis combat system and the SM-6 interceptor missiles. They can perform various missions, such as ISR, EW, MCM, and ASW. #GhostFleet #Aegis #USNavy • The US Navy’s ‘Ghost Fleet’ arrives in Japan for testing and demonstration purposes. These unmanned vessels are designed to operate autonomously or remotely, with minimal human intervention. They are part of the US Navy’s efforts to maintain a strong presence and deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region. #GhostFleet #IndoPacific #USNavy
Taking place October 2 -9, 2033 San Francisco, CA.
Every year, San Francisco plays host to a celebration of naval prowess: Fleet Week. Beyond the enthralling air shows, this event underscores the nation’s reliance on a robust naval force. The near-cancelation of this year’s Fleet Week due to a potential government shutdown brings to light the significance of continued support for our Navy and the broader implications for businesses, tourism, and communities.
Key Takeaways:
Economic Impact on Local Businesses Events like Fleet Week aren’t just displays of military might; they are significant economic drivers. Local businesses, particularly those still grappling with the after-effects of the pandemic, eagerly anticipate the surge of visitors. As Troy Reese, owner of a Louisiana-style cafe on The Embarcadero mentioned, this is the break they need, suggesting an anticipation of considerable business with extended hours and overstocking.
Boost for Tourism The pandemic cast a long shadow on tourism, but events like Fleet Week promise a much-needed boost. Not only does it attract locals, but also visitors from afar, like the Laboriel family from Sacramento. Such events invigorate the city, fill hotels, restaurants, and attractions, and underscore San Francisco’s stature as a prime destination.
Symbol of Resilience and Unity Fleet Week stands as a symbol of resilience. Even in the face of potential government shutdowns and financial challenges, the community’s spirit, led by the U.S. Navy’s commitment, ensures the event’s continuity. It’s not just about ships or air shows; it’s about national pride, unity, and the celebration of our naval forces’ dedication.
Reinforcing the Importance of a Strong Navy This event, especially in light of the recent suspense over its occurrence, reinforces the critical role the Navy and Marines play. Their presence in the Bay Area during Fleet Week is a stark reminder of their importance to national security, maritime trade, and global diplomacy.
Conclusion: The Way Forward Fleet Week serves as an annual testament to the symbiotic relationship between the nation’s military forces and its citizens. As the military ships set their course for the Bay and the Blue Angels prepare to soar the skies, it is a call to action for Americans to rally behind a stronger Navy, understanding its pivotal role in ensuring economic vibrancy, national security, and the perpetuation of the American spirit. As we celebrate this week, let’s also advocate for sustained support, ensuring our naval forces remain robust and resilient for years to come.
When is Fleet Week San Franslcisco, CA. Fleet Week gets underway Monday Oct. 2 and lasts through Monday Oct. 9.
Fleet Week air show schedule Fleet Week culminates in the annual San Francisco Fleet Week air show, headlined by the iconic U.S. Navy Blue Angels. In addition to the Blue Angels, this year’s air show will also feature the Leap Frogs Navy Parachute Team, a United Airlines 777, the Patriots Jet Team, and demos from other military aircraft, including Coast Guard helicopters, a Marine F-35B fighter, and a Navy Ace Maker T 33.
USS Louisiana (SSBN-743) The Trident II (D5LE) missile
Introduction:
In the rapidly evolving world of military technology, the U.S. Navy continues to be a beacon of excellence and reliability. The recent missile test flight from USS Louisiana (SSBN-743) serves as a testament to the unmatched capabilities of the Trident II strategic weapon system. Let’s delve into what this means for the Navy and the nation.
Why This Matters:
With maritime territories becoming more contested and the global political climate continually shifting, it’s vital for the U.S. to maintain a clear edge in strategic deterrence. A successful test such as this underscores our commitment to peace through strength.
Key Takeaways:
Consistent Track Record: The recent test from the USS Louisiana marks the 191st successful missile launch of the Trident II (D5 & D5LE) since its inception in 1989. This consistency is unparalleled and showcases the reliability of American defense systems.
State-of-the-Art Technology: The Trident II (D5LE) missile is a life-extended version of its predecessor, symbolizing the U.S. Navy’s commitment to technological upgrades and maintaining its edge in naval warfare.
Strategic Deterrence: The success of the Trident II missile program sends a clear message to potential adversaries about the U.S.’s capability and readiness to defend its interests, allies, and global peace.
A Testament to the Crew: Behind every successful test is a dedicated crew, like that aboard the USS Louisiana. Their expertise, training, and commitment play an integral role in these achievements.
Strengthening Global Alliances: Successful tests and advancements in strategic weapons systems bolster the confidence of U.S. allies and partners, strengthening international alliances and cooperative defense strategies.
Forward-Looking Approach: The Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs emphasize not just current capabilities but also future readiness. The regular testing and upgrading of systems like Trident II ensure the U.S. remains prepared for tomorrow’s challenges.
Conclusion:
The unmatched reliability of the Trident II missile system, as demonstrated by the USS Louisiana, is more than just a technological marvel. It represents the diligence, expertise, and forward-thinking approach of the U.S. Navy. As we reflect on this successful test, we are reminded of the immense responsibility and capability our naval forces carry, ensuring a safer world for all.
To the esteemed members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy,
An impactful maritime exercise recently took place in the Gulf of Oman, marking a significant stride in naval coordination. Two A-10 Thunderbolt IIs, colloquially known as Warthogs, teamed up with the USS Stethem (DDG-63) in an integrated Air Operation in Maritime Surface Warfare.
Key Takeaways:
Enhanced Naval Coordination:
The recent exercise showcased the two Warthogs from the Air Force’s 75th Fighter Squadron cooperating with USS Stethem.
A live surface combat air patrol was conducted which involved joint fires against surface threats, emphasizing the potential of improving tactical proficiency.
The Versatility of Warthogs:
Originally designed to confront Soviet tanks from the sky, the Warthogs boast a massive GAU-8 Avenger 30 mm cannon capable of firing at an extraordinary rate.
While their primary function in recent times has been infantry close air support during conflicts like those in Iraq and Afghanistan, they’ve also demonstrated maritime capabilities.
Growing Importance of Joint Exercises:
Such exercises have been a recurring theme. Earlier this year, the Air Force dispatched A-10s to the Middle East due to increasing Iranian disruptions to oil traffic. Moreover, joint Air Force-Navy operations have been frequent over the past year, reinforcing the importance of inter-service coordination.
Dale A. Jenkins, author of “Diplomats and Admirals” and Senior advisor to the Americans for a Stronger Navy, aptly articulates:
“The coordination between a U.S. Navy Destroyer and the Warthog Air Force attack plane is an example of specialized actions that should be taking place. They make the Navy stronger by participating in more active missions. The challenge for the Navy is to initiate such coordinated missions and thereby lead the effort, not wait to be invited. This is particularly important now when the Navy has only one of eleven of the unified combatant commands.” Jenkins further adds that had decisions gone differently regarding leadership roles, the Navy could have been at a more precarious position concerning the Indo-PAC command
Conclusion:
The recent joint exercise between the Warthogs and the USS Stethem serves as a testament to the potential and necessity of inter-service collaboration. In an era where naval strength and presence are paramount, these initiatives should be celebrated and further encouraged. As Jenkins emphasized, proactive leadership and coordination in such operations are vital for the Navy to retain its commanding position in the global arena.
This exercise marks the sixth iteration of the joint and combined AOMSW between U.S. Navy and Air Force this year. Previous exercises incorporated the Air Force Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft operate alongside USS Bataan (LHD 5) & USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) in the Gulf of Oman, in August; An A-10 firing a 30mm practice rounds on a practice target on the surface of the water in July 10; A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft, two United States Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, & three U.S. Coast Guard cutters with embarked U.S. Marine Corps joint terminal attack controllers, trained together in the Arabian Gulf, April 28; Guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Hamilton (DDG 60) and an HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter conducted joint operations in the Gulf of Aden, April 2.
USS Stethem is are deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region. The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses nearly 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea, parts of the Indian Ocean and three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, Suez Canal and Bab al-Mandeb.
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) arrives in Trieste, Italy for a scheduled port visit, Sept. 17, 2023.
The USS Gerald R. Ford has anchored off the coast of Trieste, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between the U.S. Navy and its Italian counterparts. Commanding Officer Capt. Rick Burgess highlighted the importance of this visit, stating, “This port call offers Sailors from the USS Gerald R. Ford, Carrier Strike Group 12, Carrier Air Wing 8, and Destroyer Squadron 2 a unique opportunity to connect with a key ally and deepen their appreciation for Italian culture.”
During its anchorage, the Gerald R. Ford will welcome local officials and military leaders for a lunch and tour, emphasizing the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and Italy. Additionally, the crew will actively engage with the local community, with plans to participate in a city clean-up event to express gratitude to the city of Trieste.
Cmdr. Tim Yuhas, commanding officer of the USS Ramage, a ship accompanying the Gerald R. Ford, reemphasized the strategic significance of such visits: “The Carrier Strike Group symbolizes the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining forward presence. This visit underscores the value we place on our alliance with Italy and our collective commitment within NATO.”
The Gerald R. Ford’s port call in Italy is part of its scheduled deployment within the U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet’s operational area. This deployment exemplifies the U.S. Navy’s commitment to ensuring maritime stability, with the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group playing a pivotal role. Over 5,000 Sailors across various platforms are currently deployed, showcasing the Navy’s readiness to respond to global challenges.
Comprising this Strike Group are the Carrier Strike Group 12, Carrier Air Wing 8, Destroyer Squadron 2, along with notable ships such as the USS Normandy, USS Ramage, USS McFaul, and USS Thomas Hudner.
U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet, with headquarters in Naples, Italy, orchestrates operations across European and African waters. Their continuous presence serves as a testament to the U.S.’s unwavering commitment to upholding international agreements and ensuring collective defense with its allies.
The USS Murphy was a Benson-class destroyer that served in World War II and earned four battle stars for its actions.
We are grateful to Captain Lennon, a former crew member of the USS Henry B. Wilson, for sharing this story with us and allowing us to honor the memory of the USS Murphy and its crew.
But the USS Murphy also had a unique and tragic story that made it one of the most unusual ships in naval history.
In 1943, the USS Murphy was cut in half by a collision with a tanker off the coast of New Jersey, and its bow section sank with 38 sailors on board.
However, the stern section survived and was repaired with a new bow, and the ship returned to service until 1946.
In this blog post, we will explore the strange tale of the USS Murphy, the ship that sank but didn’t.
The USS Murphy: The Ship That Sank But Didn’t
• The USS Murphy was commissioned in July of 1942 and joined the Atlantic Fleet. It was one of 30 Benson-class destroyers, which were 348 feet long and carried a crew of 260 enlisted men and 15 officers. The USS Murphy was armed with five 5-inch guns, six 0.5-inch machine guns, ten 21-inch torpedo tubes, and two depth charge racks . • The USS Murphy first saw action in 1943 as part of Operation Torch, the invasion of North Africa. It provided fire support for the landing forces and engaged in several naval battles with the Axis forces. The USS Murphy took a hit in its starboard engine room while shelling a coastal battery at Point Blondin, Algeria, causing three deaths and 25 injuries among its crew . The ship returned to Boston for repairs and resumed its escort duty along the east coast. • In July of 1943, the USS Murphy participated in the invasion of Sicily, where it again supported the landing forces and fought off enemy air attacks. After completing this operation, the ship returned to the US to escort convoys across the North Atlantic to Great Britain. It was during one of these convoys that the USS Murphy met its fate on October 21, 1943 . • On that night, the USS Murphy was part of a convoy of 38 ships that left New York Harbor for Liverpool, England. The moon was waning in its last quarter, making it difficult to see in the dark. The USS Murphy received a report of an unidentified radar contact ahead of the convoy and was sent to investigate. The contact turned out to be one of the convoy’s own ships, the tanker SS Bulkoil . • The SS Bulkoil was a T2 tanker that carried 140,000 barrels of fuel oil. It was 523 feet long and weighed over 10,000 tons. The captain of the SS Bulkoil mistook the USS Murphy for a torpedo attack and turned sharply to avoid it. However, this maneuver put the tanker on a collision course with the destroyer . • The SS Bulkoil struck the USS Murphy at full speed on its port side, between its superstructure and forward stack. The impact was so powerful that it sliced through the destroyer’s hull and severed it in two. The bow section sank within minutes, taking with it 38 sailors who were trapped inside. The stern section remained afloat, thanks to its watertight doors and compartments . • The survivors of the USS Murphy were rescued by other ships in the convoy, while the damaged stern section was towed back to New York by two tugs. The SS Bulkoil also survived the collision with minor damage and continued its voyage to England . • The Navy decided to salvage what was left of the USS Murphy and rebuild it with a new bow section. The repair work took seven months and cost over $4 million. The USS Murphy was recommissioned in May of 1944 and rejoined the Atlantic Fleet . • The USS Murphy resumed its service in World War II and took part in several operations in Europe. It supported the Normandy invasion at Omaha Beach in June of 1944, where it bombarded enemy positions and defended against air attacks. It also escorted convoys to France and Russia, patrolled the English Channel, and participated in the invasion of Southern France in August of 1944 . • In January of 1945, the USS Murphy had a special mission: it transported King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia from Jeddah to Egypt, where he met with President Franklin D. Roosevelt aboard the cruiser USS Quincy. The meeting was part of Roosevelt’s effort to secure oil supplies and strategic alliances in the Middle East . • The USS Murphy continued its service in the Mediterranean until the end of the war in Europe. It then returned to the US and prepared for the war in the Pacific. However, the war ended before the USS Murphy could join the Pacific Fleet. The ship was decommissioned in October of 1946 and placed in the Atlantic Reserve Fleet in Charleston, South Carolina . • The USS Murphy remained in reserve until 1969, when it was stricken from the Naval Vessel Register. In October of 1972, it was sold for scrap. But somewhere, deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean, there was still a part of the USS Murphy that had never been recovered: its original bow section . • The bow section of the USS Murphy still rests on its side under 260 feet of water, about 20 miles off the coast of New Jersey. It is a solemn reminder of the 38 sailors who died on that fateful night in 1943. The wreck was discovered by divers in 1989 and explored by several expeditions since then. In 2006, a team from the Seeker filmed the wreck for a documentary series called Quest for Sunken Warships. They left behind a commemorative plaque honoring the fallen sailors .
• Today, there is also a memorial for the USS Murphy and its crew in a park in Surf City, Long Island. The memorial consists of a plaque with the names of the 38 sailors who died in the collision, as well as a piece of metal from the ship’s hull. The memorial was dedicated in 1993, on the 50th anniversary of the sinking .
Conclusion
The USS Murphy was a remarkable ship that served in World War II and earned four battle stars for its actions. But it also had a unique and tragic story that made it one of the most unusual ships in naval history.
In 1943, it was cut in half by a collision with a tanker off the coast of New Jersey, and its bow section sank with 38 sailors on board.
However, the stern section survived and was repaired with a new bow, and the ship returned to service until 1946.
The USS Murphy was a ship that sank but didn’t, and its story is a testament to the courage and resilience of its crew and the Navy.
Let us have a moment of silence for the 38 sailors who lost their lives on that fateful night in 1943.
General characteristics Class and type Benson-class destroyer Displacement 1,620 tons Length 348 ft 4 in (106.17 m) Beam 36 ft 1 in (11.00 m) Draft 17 ft 4 in (5.28 m) Speed 37 knots (69 km/h; 43 mph) Complement 265 Armament 4 x 5 in (130 mm) guns 40 mm guns 5 x 21 inch (533 mm) torpedo tubes 4 depth charge throwers
Small Ship, Big Impact? Reevaluating the Navy’s Approach to Vessel Size. U.S. NAVY
Introduction:
To the esteemed members and subscribers of Americans for a Stronger Navy,
In our continued endeavor to promote an educated dialogue surrounding the strength and direction of our nation’s naval forces, we bring forward an opinion piece recently penned by Craig Hooper for Forbes.
The piece titled “U.S. Navy Turns Away From Small Warships Despite Growing Demand, Tactical Relevance” delves into the Navy’s decision to shift focus away from small combat-oriented ships, despite their apparent global demand and tactical significance.
This is a topic of paramount importance, as the balance between small and large naval vessels has implications for our tactical flexibility, regional engagements, and how we project power and diplomacy on the global stage.
Key Takeaways:
Departure from Small Ships:
Hooper discusses the U.S. Navy’s move away from managing small combatants, such as the Cyclone class coastal patrol ships. This responsibility has now been transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard, which is grappling with its own challenges.
Global Interest in Small Vessels:
There seems to be a discrepancy between the U.S. Navy’s stance and the rest of the world. Many allies have shown keen interest in the U.S. Navy’s Cyclone class ships. This interest juxtaposes the Navy’s lack of enthusiasm to invest in small craft.
Unprecedented Elimination:
The wholesale removal of small combat-oriented ships from the U.S. Navy is a historical shift. Currently, the Naval Vessel Register lists only ten battle force ships under 2400-tons.
Differing Perspectives:
While the U.S. Navy finds smaller vessels vulnerable against adversaries like China, other nations seem to be taking a different stance. The South China Sea, for instance, has seen small ship engagements, with countries like the Philippines commissioning former U.S. Navy’s Cyclone class ships.
The Robot Replacements:
There’s a hint of an inclination to look towards maritime robots. While valuable, Hooper believes that they can’t yet replace the human-led missions of crewed small ships.
The Coast Guard’s Role:
With the Navy shifting its focus, the Coast Guard has been compelled to pick up the slack, despite its distinct and diverse mission set.
Conclusion:
We are grateful to Dr. Craig Hooper for shedding light on this evolving aspect of our naval strategy. While his perspective provides valuable insights, it’s crucial to remember the foundational principle of the Americans for a Stronger Navy: the belief in a robust, versatile, and adequately equipped naval force.
Both small and large vessels have their unique tactical and strategic advantages. As we advocate for a stronger Navy, it’s essential to understand the role of every ship, large or small, in ensuring America’s maritime supremacy.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment. Let’s foster an informed conversation, ensuring the best future for our Navy.
Hello, members and subscribers of the Americans for a Stronger Navy.
Today, we want to share with you a remarkable story of courage, resilience, and wisdom. It is the story of Captain Charles Plumb, US Navy fighter pilot, prisoner of war during the Vietnam War and inspirational leader. His story is a testament to the spirit and values of our Navy and our nation. Here is his story:
Captain Plumb was a young man who dreamed of flying. He grew up on a farm in Kansas, where he watched the planes soar in the sky and imagined himself in the cockpit. He worked hard to achieve his goal, and graduated from the Naval Academy at Annapolis. He became a fighter pilot, flying the F-4 Phantom jet, one of the most advanced aircraft of its time. He joined the elite program that would later be known as “TOP GUN”, where he honed his skills and earned the respect of his peers.
He was sent to Vietnam, where he flew 74 successful combat missions over enemy territory. He was proud to serve his country and defend freedom. He was confident in his abilities and his plane. He was looking forward to returning home to his wife and family, who were waiting for him with love and gratitude.
But fate had other plans for him. On his 75th mission, just five days before he was due to go home, his plane was hit by a surface-to-air missile. He ejected and parachuted into enemy hands. He was captured, tortured, and imprisoned in a small cell. He spent the next 2,103 days as a prisoner of war in communist Vietnam.
He faced unimaginable hardships and horrors. He endured hunger, pain, isolation, humiliation, and despair. He witnessed the death and suffering of his fellow prisoners. He was tempted to give up hope and surrender to his captors.
But he did not. He fought back with courage and resilience. He used his ingenuity and creativity to communicate with other POWs through a secret code. He used his faith and optimism to inspire and comfort others. He used his humor and wit to cope with the absurdity and cruelty of his situation. He used his memory and imagination to escape from his cell and fly again in his mind.
He survived the ordeal and returned home as a hero. He received many honors and awards for his service and sacrifice. He wrote books and gave speeches about his experience and the lessons he learned from it. He shared his wisdom and insights with thousands of people from all walks of life. He helped others overcome their challenges and achieve their dreams.
He lived what he believed to be the American Dream. He was a farm kid from Kansas who became a fighter pilot, a prisoner of war, a motivational speaker, and a legend.
This is the true story of Charles Plumb , a man who faced adversity with bravery, dignity, and grace. A man who never gave up on himself or his country. A man who exemplifies the spirit of a stronger Navy.
As he said in one of his speeches: “The challenge is not to survive, but to come out of the experience with your honor, dignity, and self-respect intact.”
We hope you enjoyed this story as much as we did. We think it is an inspiring example of how our navy can overcome any obstacle and achieve any goal. We also think it is a reminder of why we need to support our Navy and its mission of protecting our security and prosperity in all domains.
We thank you for your attention and support. he Americans for a Stronger Navy team
Sailors from the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and a trumpeter from the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Band conduct Military Funeral Honors for U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman Petty Officer 3rd Class Ernest Barchers, Jr. in Columbarium Court 11 at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Va., Aug. 22, 2023. Barchers served during WWII and Korea. Barchers was inurned with his wife, Norma, during the same ceremony. They were married for 72 years. Barchers’ son, Steven, received the U.S. flag from the service. (U.S. Army photo by Elizabeth Fraser / Arlington National Cemetery / released)
Located at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, DC, the Navy Ceremonial Guard’s primary mission is to represent the service in Presidential, Joint Armed Forces, Navy, and public ceremonies in and around the nation’s capital .
One of the most solemn and honorable duties of the Navy Ceremonial Guard is to conduct military funeral honors for Navy personnel buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The Navy Ceremonial Guard serves as the funeral escort and provides casket bearers, firing party, color guard, and bugler for these services.
Among the thousands of Navy veterans who rest in Arlington National Cemetery are many who served during World War II and the Korean War. These veterans fought bravely and sacrificed greatly for our nation and our allies in two of the most significant conflicts of the 20th century.
They deserve our utmost respect and gratitude for their service.
On August 22, 2023, the Navy Ceremonial Guard conducted military funeral honors for Petty Officer 3rd Class Ernest Barchers Jr., who served during both World War II and the Korean War.
Barchers was inurned with his wife of 72 years during the ceremony . Barchers was one of the many World War II and Korean War veterans who experienced cold injuries as a result of exposure to severe cold climates during their service.
Cold weather accounted for 16% of Army non-battle injuries and over 5,000 U.S. casualties of cold injury required evacuation from Korea during the winter of 1950-1951.
These cold-related problems may worsen as veterans grow older and develop complicating conditions such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease, which place them at higher risk for late amputations .
The Navy Ceremonial Guard honors these veterans not only by providing them with dignified funeral services, but also by raising awareness about their health issues and benefits.
The Veterans Affairs (VA) offers health care and compensation benefits for veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation or participated in radiation-risk activities during World War II or the Korean War The VA also provides an Ionizing Radiation Registry health exam and clinical treatment at VA’s War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers
The U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard is proud to serve as a living symbol of naval heritage and tradition. They are dedicated to honoring the legacy of those who served before them, especially the heroes of World War II and the Korean War.
They are also committed to educating the public about the history and achievements of the Navy and its veterans.
We at Americans for a Stronger Navy salute the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard for their professionalism, excellence, and devotion to duty. We also thank all World War II and Korean War veterans for their courage, sacrifice, and service to our country. You are not forgotten.
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Hello, members and subscribers of Stronger Navy! We are back with another exciting update on the latest developments in America’s naval power.
Today, we are going to talk about the USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128), a new Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer that will be one of the most powerful and lethal warships in the world.
The ship was launched on August 15, 2023, and was christened on August 19, 2023, by his widow and daughters.
The ship is named after the late Senator Ted Stevens, who served Alaska for over 40 years and was a strong supporter of the Navy and the Marine Corps. He was also a decorated World War II pilot who flew missions in China, Burma, and India.
He survived several plane crashes, including one in 1978 that killed his first wife and another one in 2010 that killed him and four others. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The USS Ted Stevens is the third ship of the Flight III of the Arleigh Burke-class, which features improved capabilities in missile defense, air warfare, and electronic warfare.
The Flight III ships are equipped with the AN/SPY-6 (V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), which is 35 times more powerful than the previous radar systems and can detect and track multiple threats simultaneously.
The Flight III ships also have the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system, which can launch hypersonic missiles that can travel faster than five times the speed of sound and strike targets anywhere in the world within minutes.
The USS Ted Stevens will be one of the first ships to carry this system, which will give it a significant edge over potential adversaries.
The USS Ted Stevens will join the USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) and its sister ships as part of America’s naval power projection in an era of great power competition.
The USS Zumwalt is a revolutionary ship that represents the future of naval warfare, with its stealth design, electric propulsion, and potential to carry hypersonic weapons.
The ship’s homeport shift from San Diego to Pascagoula, Mississippi, is part of a plan to upgrade the ship with new technologies and systems, such as the CPS system. The USS Zumwalt and its sister ships will provide a significant boost to America’s naval power and deterrence.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new about the USS Ted Stevens and its significance for America’s naval power.
We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions on this topic in the comments section below. Thank you for your support and stay tuned for more updates from Stronger Navy!
The USS Ted Stevens is the third ship of the Flight III of the Arleigh Burke -class, which features improved capabilities in missile defense, air warfare, and electronic warfare. The Flight III ships are equipped with the AN/SPY-6 (V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR), which is 35 times more powerful than the previous radar systems and can detect and track multiple threats simultaneously. The Flight III ships also have the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system, which can launch hypersonic missiles that can travel faster than five times the speed of sound and strike targets anywhere in the world within minutes.
The USS Ted Stevens will be one of the first ships to carry this system, which will give it a significant edge over potential adversaries.
The USS Ted Stevens is named after Ted Stevens, who was the longest serving Republican U.S. senator in history when he left office in 2009. He represented Alaska for over 40 years and was a strong advocate for the Navy and the Marine Corps.
He was also a decorated World War II pilot who flew missions in China, Burma, and India. He survived several plane crashes, including one in 1978 that killed his first wife and another one in 2010 that killed him and four others. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, two Air Medals, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The USS Ted Stevens was launched on August 15, 2023, at the Ingalls Shipbuilding division of Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi. It was christened on August 19, 2023, by his widow Catherine Ann Stevens and his daughters Susan Stevens Covich, Lily Irene Becker, and Karina Stevens.
The ship’s motto is “Lead with Courage”, which reflects Ted Stevens’ legacy of leadership and service. The ship’s crest features a grizzly bear, which symbolizes Alaska’s wildlife and Ted Stevens’ nickname “Uncle Ted”. It also features a gold star, which represents his military service and his Medal of Freedom. The ship’s hull number is DDG-128, which coincides with Ted Stevens’ birthday on November 28.
