The vessels feature a stealthy tumblehome hull design, reducing radar, acoustic, and infrared signatures to enhance survivability.
The ship’s electric propulsion system generates 78 megawatts of power—enough to support next-generation technologies such as directed energy weapons and advanced radar systems.
The Zumwalt-class ships were initially envisioned as a fleet of 32 vessels but were reduced to three due to high costs, with each warship valued at $9 billion.
Despite this reduction, their capabilities remain unparalleled, with the capacity to carry a variety of missiles, including SM-2 Block IIIAZ and Tomahawk land-attack missiles.
HII’s #IngallsShipbuilding division successfully undocked USS Zumwalt (#DDG1000), the lead ship of the @USNavy’s Zumwalt-class of guided missile destroyers, taking the ship one step closer to testing and returning to the U.S. Navy fleet.
Read more: https://t.co/DZhrPQo5iQ pic.twitter.com/d4sCbgHFt1
— HII (@WeAreHII) December 8, 2024
Strategic Implications
The incorporation of hypersonic weapons into the Zumwalt-class destroyers reflects the Pentagon’s focus on addressing near-peer threats, particularly from nations like Russia and China.
These upgrades enhance the Navy’s ability to conduct precision strikes with unprecedented speed and reach, ensuring US forces maintain a technological edge in contested environments.
As testing approaches in the coming years, the Navy’s investment in hypersonic capability underscores its commitment to innovation and readiness for future challenges.
The Zumwalt-class destroyers, equipped with CPS weapons, will not only redefine naval warfare but also solidify their place as a cornerstone of US maritime dominance.
Navy Celebrates Keel Laying of USNS Thurgood Marshall
In other Navy news, General Dynamics’ National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) officially laid last Thursday, December 5, the keel for the service’s newest John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler, the USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), in San Diego, California.
This milestone signifies the integration of modular components and the start of the ship’s construction.
Today, we marked the keel laying ceremony for the future USNS Thurgood Marshall (T-AO 211), the seventh vessel in the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis-class fleet replenishment oiler program! 📷
Three steel plates, bearing the initials of Ms. Cecilia Marshall, Ms. Melonie Tibbs and Ms.… pic.twitter.com/e3j8vbu3HU
— NASSCO (@GDNASSCO) December 5, 2024
Named after the first African American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall, the vessel honors his legacy of civil rights and justice. His family, including granddaughters and a granddaughter-in-law, participated as sponsors during the keel-laying ceremony.
“Thurgood Marshall’s legacy is one of unwavering courage, intellectual brilliance, and an unyielding commitment to justice,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, quoted from the NAVSEA press release. “His efforts helped to shape a more equitable society—and the future USNS Thurgood Marshall will carry that legacy forward.”
Once completed, the ship will support the Navy’s Military Sealift Command (MCS) by delivering fuel, dry cargo, and aviation capabilities to ships at sea.
The 746-foot-long (227 meters) vessel, equipped with advanced systems and weaponry, will have a top speed of 20 knots (23 miles/37 kilometers per hour) and an endurance of over 6,000 nautical miles (6,905 miles/11,112 kilometers).
It’s part of a growing fleet of John Lewis-class ships, with two other vessels currently under construction at NASSCO’s California facility.
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