Naval Sea Systems Command:
Bath, Maine – The future USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) successfully completed Builder’s Trials on March 31 after spending four days underway. Builder’s Trials consist of a series of in-port and at-sea demonstrations that allow the shipbuilder, Bath Iron Works (BIW), and the Navy to assess the ship’s systems and its readiness for delivery.
“With the successful completion of these trials, we move closer to adding DDG 116 and her exceptional capabilities to the Fleet,” said Capt. Casey Moton, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. “The Navy and Industry team worked diligently to ensure the ship operates at peak performance.”
The DDG 51 class ships currently being constructed are Aegis Baseline 9 Integrated Air and Missile Defense destroyers with increased computing power and radar upgrades that improve detection and reaction capabilities against modern air warfare and Ballistic Missile Defense threats.
