The USS Zumwalt – The New Face Of Our U.S. Navy

This is touted to be the ship of all ships. State of the Art technology and will do everything except remodel the bathroom. Welcome to the USS Zumwalt!

Last Saturday was another milestone for the United States Navy as they officially unveiled and christened the future of the destroyer: The USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000). The ceremony was held at the General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works shipyard in Bath, Maine.

The lead ship and class designation is named in honor of former Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Elmo R. "Bud" Zumwalt Jr., who served as the 19th CNO from 1970-1974.

Talk about a war veteran; Admiral Zumwalt did tours in World War II where he earned the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for his valorous actions aboard the USS Robinson during the Battle for Leyte Gulf. Zumwalt also served during the Korean War and served as the commander of naval forces in Vietnam. Shortly after, President Nixon charged him with the CNO gig in July of 1970. Admiral Zumwalt is also credited with implementing a series of policies intended to improve opportunities within the Navy for minorities and women during his tenure as CNO.

The USS Zumwalt is 610 feet long is with a displacement of more than 15,000 tons when fully loaded. The ship is expected to join the fleet in 2016.

The ship features two advanced gun systems firing long-range land attack projectiles that reach up to 63 nautical miles, providing precision, high volume and persistent fire support to forces ashore, along with an approximate five-fold improvement in naval surface fire range. DDG 1000 will employ active and passive sensors and a multi-function radar capable of conducting area air surveillance, including over-land, throughout the extremely difficult and cluttered sea-land interface - Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus

Funny how the new state of the art design looks freakishly like one of the first battleships/destroyers ever built. It must be that whole 'full circle' thing.  She a beauty, no doubt!