US Navy completes modernization of two Arleigh Burke-class destroyers

July 1, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

The US Navy has completed major modernization work on the guided-missile destroyers USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93) and USS James E. Williams (DDG-95), upgrading both vessels under its Destroyer Modernization 2.0 program to extend their service lives and enhance combat capabilities.

The ships recently concluded their modernization, receiving a package of mid-life upgrades designed to improve performance in integrated air and missile defense operations. Among the key enhancements is the integration of the AN/SLQ-32(V)7 electronic warfare suite, which is intended to strengthen the destroyers’ electronic warfare capabilities against evolving threats, according to the navy.

The modernization effort forms part of the navy’s broader strategy to sustain the operational effectiveness of its Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer fleet through structural repairs, combat system upgrades and new technologies.

The work on DDG-93 and DDG-95 was carried out through collaboration between General Dynamics NASSCO, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, the Southwest Regional Maintenance Center, and government and industry installation teams.USS Chung-Hoon and USS James E. Williams entered service in 2004.

The navy said the modernization package builds on lessons learned from similar upgrades first installed aboard USS Pinckney (DDG-91).

“The teamwork, technical expertise, and disciplined execution demonstrated by MARMC, SWRMC and our industry partners were essential to delivering these advanced capabilities to the Fleet. Their efforts ensure our Sailors have more capable, combat-ready ships prepared to operate in an increasingly challenging maritime environment,” said Rear Adm. Dan Lannamann, commander, Navy Regional Maintenance Center who oversees the Navy’s seven RMCs.

Destroyer Modernization 2.0 is aimed at accelerating the delivery of upgraded capabilities to the fleet while extending the operational life of existing destroyers. The program is overseen by the Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Maritime, which is responsible for the acquisition and modernization of the service’s surface ships.