US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Ted Stevens clears key trials ahead of delivery

November 25, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division has completed the final round of sea trials for Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128).

DDG 128, the second Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built by Ingalls, represents the next generation of surface combatants for the U.S. Navy. Fabrication of the ship began in 2020, and the vessel features the second-in-class Flight III AN/SPY-6 (V)1 radar system and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system.

The builder’s trials were completed in September 2025. These trials tested hull, mechanical, and electrical systems, navigation, and notably the AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar.

US Navy’s second Flight III destroyer USS Ted Stevens wraps up sea trials

Vessels

The Ingalls Test and Trials team spent several days in port and at sea conducting a comprehensive series of acceptance tests and evaluations, overseen by the Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). These trials confirmed that the ship successfully demonstrated required mission capabilities, preparing it for delivery to the U.S. Navy in the coming weeks.

“Our goal is to deliver the most advanced and capable warships to the fleet as quickly as possible, addressing the increasing national security needs of the United States and our allies. The work of the entire DDG 128 team exemplifies our relentless pursuit to achieve this very mission,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Blanchette said.

To date, Ingalls Shipbuilding has delivered 35 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to the U.S. Navy, including the first Flight III, USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125). Currently, Ingalls has five Flight III destroyers under construction: Ted Stevens (DDG 128), Jeremiah Denton (DDG 129), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133), and Thad Cochran (DDG 135).

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships and can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection.