Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding Lays Keel for Next-Gen Destroyer USS Sam Nunn

The keel laying ceremony for the future USS Sam Nunn (DDG-133), a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, was recently held at HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding in Mississippi.

This moment not only marked a significant milestone in the construction of one of the US Navy’s most advanced warships but also honored the enduring legacy of Senator Samuel Augustus Nunn Jr., a statesman whose career was dedicated to strengthening national security and reducing global threats.

The future USS Sam Nunn represents a convergence of history, innovation, and purpose. It symbolizes the US Navy’s commitment to maintaining maritime superiority while paying homage to a leader whose initiatives continue to shape global security dynamics.

Honoring Senator Sam Nunn

The namesake of this destroyer, former Senator Sam Nunn of Georgia, served as chairman of the US Senate Committee on Armed Services and spearheaded the Nunn-Lugar Cooperative Threat Reduction Program.

This landmark initiative led to the deactivation of more than 7,600 nuclear warheads, promoting global stability in the post-Cold War era.

During the keel laying ceremony, Nunn was joined by his daughter and ship sponsor, Michelle Nunn, who described the event as a joyful moment for their family and a reflection of her father’s values of determination, integrity, and service.

Today, alongside her namesake Senator Sam Nunn, and sponsor Michelle Nunn, the keel for the future USS Sam Nunn (DDG 133) was ‘truly and fairly’ laid, signifying the next step in the shipbuilding process and bringing the ship one step closer to our Naval fleet. pic.twitter.com/GL6yUTK9Tk

— Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro (@SECNAV) November 22, 2024

Michelle Nunn’s initials, along with those of Ingalls Structural Welder Adam Lee, were etched into the keel plate, signifying the ship’s foundation.

This ceremonial tradition connects the craftsmanship of the shipbuilders with the mission of the sailors who will one day call the USS Sam Nunn their home.

The Flight III Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer

The future USS Sam Nunn is the fifth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, a testament to the Navy’s commitment to evolving with modern threats.

Flight III destroyers feature enhanced capabilities, most notably the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System.

These systems enable the ship to detect and neutralize air, surface, and subsurface threats simultaneously, ensuring operational effectiveness in increasingly complex combat environments.

Technical Specifications

The Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is a marvel of engineering, with specifications designed to meet diverse mission demands:

• Length: Up to 510 feet, depending on configuration.
• Speed: Capable of reaching 30 knots (35 mph or 56 km/h).
• Range: Approximately 5,100 miles (8,207 kilometers).
• Power: Driven by four General Electric gas turbines generating 26,250 horsepower each.
• Armament: Anti-ship, anti-air, anti-ballistic, land-attack, and cruise missiles, as well as naval guns and electronic warfare capabilities.
• Capacity: Accommodates up to 300 personnel, maritime helicopters, and rigid-hull inflatable boats.

These destroyers are versatile, performing missions from peacetime presence and crisis management to full-scale combat and power projection. Their adaptability underscores their vital role in modern naval strategy.

The Legacy of the Arleigh Burke-Class

Since its inception in the late 1980s, the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer has become the backbone of the US Navy. Named after Admiral Arleigh Burke, the class represents a blend of innovation, resilience, and combat capability. It has undergone continuous upgrades, ensuring relevance against evolving threats.

With over 80 ships in service, the Arleigh Burke-class is a cornerstone of the Navy’s surface fleet.

Its multi-mission design allows it to excel in anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and surface warfare, as well as ballistic missile defense.

The introduction of the Flight III variant solidifies its legacy as a platform capable of addressing 21st-century challenges.

The Role of the USS Sam Nunn in the US Navy

As a Flight III destroyer, the USS Sam Nunn will enhance the Navy’s ability to project power, protect allies, and maintain freedom of navigation in contested waters.

Its advanced radar and combat systems are designed to counter the increasingly sophisticated arsenals of adversaries, including hypersonic missiles and unmanned threats.

Moreover, the USS Sam Nunn embodies the Navy’s commitment to honoring its history while advancing its mission.

Senator Nunn’s legacy, rooted in service and global security, mirrors the values that the ship and its crew will uphold.

A-Pillar of Naval Excellence

The future USS Sam Nunn is more than just a warship—it is a symbol of ingenuity, dedication, and service.

As the keel rests in place, the shipbuilders at Ingalls Shipbuilding continue a legacy of craftsmanship that supports the Navy’s mission to safeguard America’s interests.

With its state-of-the-art systems and deep historical significance, the USS Sam Nunn will serve as a formidable asset in the US Navy’s arsenal, ensuring readiness to meet the challenges of tomorrow while honoring the contributions of the past.