Future USS Patrick Gallagher Floats Free as Ship Enters Final Phase of Construction.

According to information published by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works on October 7, 2024, the future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), a Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, floated free of the drydock for the first time. Now berthed at Pier 2, the vessel is set to enter the final stages of construction and testing.
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USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127) floats free from the drydock at dawn. Now berthed at Pier 2, the ship enters its final phase of construction and testing. (Picture source: General Dynamics Bath Iron Works)

The complex winching procedure started late Monday beneath the glow of the full moon, with drydock personnel working through the night to guide the colossal structure out of Shipway 1. As dawn broke on Tuesday, the drydock was in the river, gradually filling its ballast tanks to prepare for the ship's release from its cradle. After hours of coordinated effort, the Patrick Gallagher floated free, signaling a seamless and successful launch.

Once afloat, the destroyer was carefully maneuvered by tugboats, aided by crews stationed along the drydock’s wingwalls, and guided into its designated position at Pier 2. The vessel’s journey from drydock to pier signified not only a technical accomplishment but also the dedication of the skilled team that has been working tirelessly to bring the Patrick Gallagher to life.

Now in open water, the ship enters a pivotal phase that will encompass extensive outfitting, system installations, and trials. This next step will prepare the Patrick Gallagher for her eventual handover to the U.S. Navy and entry into operational service.

The construction of an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer like the USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127) is a highly coordinated process, involving multiple intricate steps that ensure the vessel meets the U.S. Navy's stringent requirements.

It begins with the design and planning phase, where naval architects and engineers develop comprehensive blueprints to map out the ship’s specific capabilities, including hull design, propulsion systems, weaponry, and advanced electronic systems. This meticulous planning ensures that every aspect of the destroyer aligns with its mission requirements.

Once the design is set, the shipyard begins sourcing materials. High-quality metals and composites are chosen for their durability, strength, and suitability for the complex demands of naval operations. This procurement stage lays the foundation for a vessel that can withstand harsh sea conditions and sustain rigorous operational use.

The ship is then constructed using modular techniques, where various sections or modules are fabricated separately. Each module is outfitted with specific systems before they are all brought together, enhancing efficiency and precision in the assembly process. As these modules are joined, the hull of the ship takes shape, with careful alignment and welding to ensure structural integrity.

Outfitting follows the assembly of the hull, transforming it from a shell into a fully operational warship. This involves the installation of propulsion systems, electrical wiring, weaponry, and crew accommodations. The outfitting phase is crucial as it brings the ship closer to operational readiness, integrating all the necessary systems that will enable it to perform its tasks.

The launch is a momentous occasion where the ship is moved from drydock into open water, marking its first flotation and a major milestone in the construction journey. From here, the vessel undergoes sea trials to test and verify every component's performance. These trials examine speed, maneuverability, weapon systems, and other operational capabilities, allowing for adjustments to ensure maximum performance and reliability.