Flight IIA Technology Insertion Destroyer Thomas Hudner Completes Acceptance Trials.

The future USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) successfully completed acceptance trials May 3 after spending a day underway off the coast of Maine. DDG 116 is the first Arleigh Burke-class, "Flight IIA: Technology Insertion" variant. "Technology Insertion" ships are fitted with elements from the future DDG 51 Flight III.

File picture: BATH, Maine (March 28, 2018) The future guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) commences builder's trials. Thomas Hudner completed builder's trials March 31 after spending four days underway off the coast of Maine. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

The U.S. Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), the governing body that recommends the ship be delivered to the Navy, evaluated the ship's construction and compliance with Navy specifications.

INSURV reviewed the ship and its crew during a series of demonstrations while pier side and underway. Many of the ship's onboard systems including navigation, damage control, mechanical and electrical systems, combat systems, communications, and propulsion applications that were tested to validate performance met or exceeded Navy specifications.

"The success of the Bath Iron Works (BIW) built future USS Thomas Hudner during acceptance trials is a testament to the continued quality and high performance of our Navy's destroyers," said Capt. Casey Moton, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. "The Thomas Hudner is a very capable warfighter that will be a significant asset to the fleet."

Thomas Hudner is equipped with the AEGIS Baseline 9 Combat System which includes an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capability incorporating Ballistic Missile Defense 5.0 Capability Upgrade and Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air. The ship's IAMD radar will provide increased computing power and radar upgrades that improve detection and reaction capabilities against modern air warfare threats.

Following delivery, DDG 116 will be the 36th Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) class destroyer to be delivered by BIW. The shipyard is currently in production on future destroyers Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), Carl M. Levin (DDG 120) and John Basilone (DDG 122), as well as the future Zumwalt class destroyer, Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002).