US Navy Accepts New Aegis Missile Destroyer After Successful Trials

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Naval Sea Systems Command said in a press release on Wednesday that the US Navy accepted delivery of future guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) from shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries.

"DDG 114 successfully demonstrated its ship's systems and readiness during a series of at sea and in-port trials," the press release stated.

The Ralph Johnson, the release added, incorporates the Aegis Baseline 9 combat system which includes an Integrated Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capability incorporating Ballistic Missile Defense (BMD) 5.0 and Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air.

"Aegis Baseline 9 IAMD destroyers have increased computing power, along with radar upgrades which improve detection and reaction capabilities against modern anti-air warfare and BMD threats," the release said.

The guided-missile destroyer is named after Medal of Honor recipient Pfc. Ralph H. Johnson. Johnson leaped on an enemy grenade during combat operations in Vietnam and saved his Marine mates from the blast. He was killed but saved the lives of his fellow Marines and halted the penetration of a defensive perimeter.

While the warship has been delivered by the shipbuilder to the Navy, it has not been commissioned yet and is not technically in the Navy inventory.