HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division has launched the future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131), a milestone in construction of the fourth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to be built at the Pascagoula, Mississippi shipyard.
HII said shipbuilders completed construction work, secured major components and carried out inspections in the lead-up to the launch. The vessel was moved from land into the dry dock, where teams conducted final checks before the dock was flooded and the destroyer floated for the first time.
“Launching DDG 131 is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our Ingalls shipbuilders,” said Chris Brown, Ingalls Shipbuilding DDG 51 program manager. “Seeing the ship reach the water for the first time is a proud moment for everyone involved and a real testament to the people who make this work possible for our U.S. Navy.”
DDG 131 is named for George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran and aviation machinist’s mate third class who was awarded the Navy Cross for actions taken while attempting to rescue a fellow service member under enemy fire.
HII said the Flight III variant of the Arleigh Burke-class includes the AN/SPY-6 (V)1 radar system and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system.
Following the launch, George M. Neal is expected to move into outfitting, systems activation and testing ahead of sea trials.
