The U.S. Navy's DDG 51 modernization program has met two key milestones
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) announced Dec. 22. The milestones
involve the successful installation and testing of the new Aegis baseline
9 combat system on two DDG 51 destroyers, and a hull, mechanical and
electrical (HM&E) modernization to a third. The modernization program
ensures Arleigh Burke-class ships keep pace with evolving threats while
meeting service life requirements and future operational commitments.
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USS Barry
(DDG 52) and USS Benfold (DDG 65) successfully executed sea trials following
extensive, Extended Selected Restricted Availabilities for combat systems
modernizations. Barry completed her availability at Naval Station Norfolk
and was the first ship to receive the Aegis baseline 9 installation
on the East Coast. Benfold completed the baseline 9 modernization at
Naval Station San Diego. The modernizations upgraded all major elements
of the ships' combat systems including radars, weapons, communications
suite, sonar, electronic warfare, navigation, and computer capability.
"These upgrades to major shipboard systems on DDG 51 class ships
strengthen the Surface Fleet by improving the ships' capability to tackle
missions and engage evolving threats," said Surface Combatant Modernization
Program Manager Capt. Ted Zobel. "By incorporating smarter technologies,
we ensure ships are more efficient and able to meet their tasking for
years to come."
During sea trials, the ships demonstrated improved warfighting capability
that included the Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) embedded
in the combat systems upgrade. The new software package, baseline 9C,
includes an Aegis Weapon System (AWS) upgrade which introduces an enhanced
SPY-1D radar with a multi-mission signal processor for anti-air warfare
and ballistic missile defense in support of IAMD.
The AWS is complemented with the addition of cooperative engagement
capability (CEC), anti-submarine warfare upgrades and improvements to
the MK 45 five-inch gun. Ballistic Missile Defense version 5.0 was also
included as a major addition to the combat systems upgrade.
The third ship, USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), conducted an availability
to overhaul and modernize its HM&E systems. The ship received upgrades
to enhance its structural integrity while replacing existing propulsion
plant control systems with new machinery and damage control systems.
This modernization improves the probability that this 17 year-old ship
will meet its expected 35 year service life.
USS The Sullivans is the eleventh Arleigh Burke class destroyer to receive
HM&E upgrades. The modernization was performed at the BAE Systems
Ship Repair shipyard in Mayport, Florida.
All three ships are expected to return to the fleet by early 2015. |
