The United States Navy has confirmed that the christening of the future USS ZUMWALT (DDG 1000) is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2014, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (GDBIW) said on Friday.
The christening of the USS Zumwalt was originally set for October 19, however, due to the U.S.Government shutdown the ceremony was pushed back until a future date.
USS Zumwalt is a first of class ship of the Navy’s next generation destroyers, tailored for sustained operations in the littorals and land attack. The class is expected to provide independent forward presence and deterrence, support special operations forces, and operate as an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces.
GDBIW successfully launched the first Zumwalt-class destroyer on October 28 at their Bath, Maine shipyard.
Having in mind the complexity of the ship, the delivery will take place in two phases. The very delivery is slated for late 2014. Once handed over, the Navy will then conduct combat systems activation, tests and trials, to include multiple underway periods. If all operational requirements are met, the ship should reach its initial operating capability in 2016.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, February 4, 2014; Image: US Navy