The US Navy will christen its newest guided-missile destroyer Rafael Peralta, Saturday, Oct. 31, during a ceremony at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Bath, Maine.
The future USS Rafael Peralta, designated DDG 115, honors Marine Corps Sgt. Rafael Peralta. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for actions during combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Peralta is credited with saving the lives of fellow Marines during the second battle of Fallujah in 2004.
Rafael Peralta is the third of 14 ships currently under contract for the DDG 51 program.
The 9,200 ton Rafael Peralta is being built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. The ship is 509 feet in length, has a waterline beam of 59 feet, and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas turbine engines will power the ship to speeds in excess of 30 knots.
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Image: US Navy