HII has laid the keel for the future USS Sam Nunn, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, during a ceremony on Friday at the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division.
Naval Sea Systems Command said Friday the initials of both the ship’s namesake and sponsor were etched into the keel plate by a welder.
Honoring Senator Samuel Nunn
The ship, also known as DDG 133, is named after former United States senator Samuel Augustus Nunn Jr. He represented the state of Georgia and also served as chairman of the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services and the Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. Sen. Nunn attended the ceremony himself along with his daughter Michelle Nunn, the ship’s sponsor.
USS Sam Nunn’s Advanced Capabilities
The future USS Sam Nunn, which will be part of the DDG 51 Flight III destroyers, will feature advanced capabilities such as the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and enhanced electrical power capacity and cooling systems.
Aside from USS Sam Nunn, HII is also building USS Ted Stevens, USS Jeremiah Denton, USS George M. Neal and USS Thad Cochran.
“The future USS Sam Nunn and all who sail aboard her will honor the legacy of Sen. Nunn and his dedication to the men and women serving our country,” said Capt. Seth Miller, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office, Ships. “DDG 133 will be yet another player on the field providing the most advanced capability to our Navy and the nation.”
