Navy Takes Delivery Of Paul Ignatius Destroyer

The U.S. Navy has accepted delivery of its latest Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, reports the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA).

On Feb. 22, the Paul Ignatius (DDG-117), the 67th ship in the class, was formally handed over at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard in Pascagoula, Miss., according to a NAVSEA release.

Delivery followed a series of at-sea and pier-side trials to evaluate its material and operational readiness.

The destroyer is named for Paul Robert Ignatius, who served as secretary of the Navy from 1967-1969 and assistant secretary of defense under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Four Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are currently in production at the Pascagoula shipyard, including the Delbert D. Black (DDG-119); Frank E. Peterson Jr. (DDG-121); Lenah H. Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG-123); and Jack H. Lucas (DDG-125), the first Flight III ship.

Huntington Ingalls is under contract for six additional Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to be built in the Flight III configuration with enhanced air and missile defense capabilities.