PASCAGOULA, MS — The U.S. Navy’s newest and most advanced guided-missile destroyer, the future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG-125), has completed acceptance trials, marking a significant milestone before its delivery.
As the first Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the Jack H. Lucas incorporates the most advanced naval technology currently available, significantly enhancing the combat capabilities of the U.S. fleet.
Named in honour of the youngest Marine and the only Marine in World War II to receive the Medal of Honor, Jack H. Lucas, the ship was put through a rigorous series of tests in the Gulf of Mexico last week. These trials, conducted by the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), are the last major hurdle a ship faces before delivery to the Navy.
“The DDG-125 performed exceptionally well during its trials,” said Rear Admiral Casey Moton, Program Executive Officer for Unmanned and Small Combatants. “The success of these trials reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in the project. We are eagerly anticipating the delivery of this highly capable and important ship.”
The Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are equipped with the new AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar, which offers a 35 times increase in detection range compared to the older system. Furthermore, they incorporate improved weapons systems and enhanced flight deck capabilities, which enable them to operate the latest generation of military aircraft.
This technological superiority positions the Jack H. Lucas and other future Flight III destroyers at the forefront of the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet, capable of meeting modern and future threats in various operational scenarios.
The acceptance trials involved extensive inspections and tests designed to evaluate the ship’s performance and general seaworthiness. The crew demonstrated several emergency procedures and conducted numerous operational demonstrations, including manoeuvrability and speed trials.
“The ship performed remarkably during all aspects of the trials, and we are extremely proud of the DDG-125’s crew and the building team for their tireless efforts,” said George Nungesser, Ingalls’ DDG Program Manager.
Once delivered, the USS Jack H. Lucas will be based at Naval Station Mayport in Florida, joining the Navy’s Atlantic Surface Warfare Fleet. The ship’s delivery, commissioning, and subsequent integration into the fleet mark significant steps towards increasing the U.S. Navy’s combat readiness and capabilities in response to emerging global threats.
