US Navy takes delivery of advanced warship USS Ted Stevens

The US Navy has officially taken delivery of the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), the third Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, on December 29, 2025. The ship was delivered by HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division, marking its formal transfer from the shipbuilder to the Navy.

Before delivery, DDG 128 completed an extensive series of sea and pier-side trials. These tests confirmed the ship’s performance and readiness in key areas, including propulsion, combat systems, communications, and navigation, according to Naval News. 

“The delivery of the future USS Ted Stevens will provide our Fleet with another critical warship with advanced capabilities,” said Capt. Jay Young, Arleigh Burke-class Program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO), Ships. “DDG 128 will further strengthen our at sea advantage and serve as an enduring reminder of the ship’s namesake and his dedicated service to our Nation.”

The destroyer is named in honour of Ted Stevens, a former US Senator from Alaska. Stevens was the longest-serving Republican senator in US history. During his career, he served as president pro tempore of the US Senate in the 108th and 109th Congresses and later became the third senator to hold the title of president pro tempore emeritus.

Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers represent a major upgrade for the US Navy. They are equipped with the advanced AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defence Radar and feature improved electrical power and cooling systems. These enhancements significantly increase the ship’s ability to detect, track, and defend against modern threats.

Ingalls Shipbuilding is continuing production on several additional destroyers, including the future USS Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), USS George M. Neal (DDG 131), USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and USS Thad Cochran (DDG 135).

The Navy’s Program Executive Office for Ships oversees the development and acquisition of destroyers, amphibious ships, auxiliary and support vessels, sealift ships, and special mission platforms, ensuring the Fleet remains ready to meet global security challenges.

By Sabina Mammadli