The future USS Thomas Hudner returns after successfully completing acceptance trials. Credit: US Navy courtesy of Bath Iron Works / Released.

The US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, the future USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116), has successfully completed acceptance trials off the coast of Maine.

The trials were conducted by the US Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), the governing body that recommends the vessel be delivered to the navy.

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INSURV evaluated Thomas Hudner’s construction and compliance with US Navy specifications as part of the initiative.

"The future USS Thomas Hudner will be the 36th Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyer to be provided to the navy by General Dynamics’ subsidiary BIW upon delivery."

The inspection programme included a review of the vessel and its crew members during a series of demonstrations, which were conducted both at pier side and during underway activities.

Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships DDG 51 class programme manager US Navy captain Casey Moton said: “The success of the Bath Iron Works (BIW) built future USS Thomas Hudner during acceptance trials is a testament to the continued quality and high performance of our navy’s destroyers.

“The Thomas Hudner is a very capable warfighter that will be a significant asset to the fleet.”

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DDG 116 is equipped with the AEGIS Baseline 9 Combat System, which features an integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) capability that incorporates the Ballistic Missile Defense 5.0 Capability Upgrade and Naval Integrated Fire Control-Counter Air systems.

In addition, the destroyer’s on-board IAMD radar will help provide increased computing power and radar upgrades in order to offer enhanced detection and reaction capabilities against modern air-warfare threats.

The future USS Thomas Hudner will be the 36th Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyer to be provided to the navy by General Dynamics’ subsidiary BIW upon delivery.

The keel for the 513ft-long vessel was originally laid on 16 November 2015, while the ship was christened on 1 April last year.

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