By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
According to a recent news by the Naval Sea Systems Command, the U.S. Navy has officially taken delivery of the future USS John Basilone (DDG 122), a Flight IIA destroyer, from General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Bath, Maine.
Delivery is a handover process that signifies the formal transition of the vessel from the shipbuilder’s control to naval authority. Before this transition, the vessel underwent a series of rigorous tests in both offshore and dockside environments to verify its operational readiness.
This transfer, finalized on July 8th in Bath, Maine, signifies the shift of the vessel from the control of General Dynamics Bath Iron Works to the Navy itself. It follows a rigorous regimen of both at-sea and pier-side trials, ensuring that the ship meets the operational demands and readiness expected of a modern naval warfighter.
The USS John Basilone is a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer with sophisticated engineering and design standards for its class. As a multi-mission surface combatant, the DDG 122 is equipped to handle Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), making it a formidable asset in the Navy’s operational fleet. Its advanced Aegis combat system integrates the ship’s sensors and weapons systems to provide a cohesive and formidable defensive and offensive capability.
According to Capt. Seth Miller, program manager for the DDG 51 Class at the Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships, “DDG 122, along with its crew, will serve as a perpetual emblem of the resilience and dedication demonstrated by its distinguished namesake.”
The USS John Basilone is equipped with an array of advanced weapon systems, including the Aegis Combat System, a cutting-edge air defense system capable of engaging multiple targets simultaneously, utilizing the SPY-1D(V) radar and Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) interceptors. Additionally, the ship features a Mark 45 5-inch Gun, a versatile naval gun system suitable for surface and shore bombardment, anti-aircraft, and anti-submarine warfare. The DDG 122 is powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, producing 100,000 horsepower and reaching speeds in excess of 30 knots.
In addition, the ship’s electronic warfare capabilities are further enhanced by the AN/SPS-73(V)12 Radar, a navigation and air search radar providing simultaneous air and surface surveillance, and the AN/SPS-80 Radar, a multi-function radar supporting air traffic control, surveillance, and missile guidance. The AN/SLQ-32(V)6 Electronic Warfare System provides a comprehensive electronic warfare suite for detection, identification, and countermeasures against various threats.
The USS John Basilone has a crew of approximately 300 Sailors, with accommodations for an additional 20 officers and enlisted personnel. The ship is designed for extended deployments, with onboard facilities supporting crew comfort, morale, and mission effectiveness. The delivery of the DDG 122 represents a significant upgrade in capability for the U.S. Navy, and the ship is expected to play a critical role in supporting national security interests and ensuring maritime superiority.
The delivery of the USS John Basilone is more than a routine procedural event; it is a significant enhancement of the U.S. Navy’s operational capabilities. The ship, laden with advanced technologies and a formidable arsenal, is a modern embodiment of naval prowess. As tensions simmer in various global hotspots, the role of such destroyers will be critical in navigating the complex waters of international relations and maritime strategy. The future USS John Basilone stands ready to contribute to this ongoing mission, embodying the spirit of its honored namesake through its service to the nation.
