US Navy’s new 9700-ton destroyer USS Ted Stevens to enter service with advanced radar

The U.S. Navy plans to commission its newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG 128), on October 3, 2026, in Whittier, Alaska. This Flight III destroyer will help the Navy improve air and missile defense and track threats at sea. The commissioning ceremony will be held in Alaska, where the Navy works to keep the region secure and ready for Arctic operations. Once in service, USS Ted Stevens will be based in Norfolk, Virginia, joining the Navy’s surface fleet as another Flight III destroyer. Advanced radar anchors new destroyer USS Ted Stevens is equipped with the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar, which is an important part of the Flight III design. This radar helps the ship spot and track airborne threats more effectively. The destroyer also has more electrical power and better cooling. These upgrades help support its advanced systems and let it handle the demands of its new combat features. “USS Ted Stevens represents the combat-ready, lethal force our Navy needs to deter aggression and defend our nation,” highlighted Adm. Daryl Caudle, Chief of Naval Operations. “With her advanced sensors, weapons, and air and missile defense capabilities, this ship will give our Fleet greater capacity to find, track, and defeat threats across the maritime domain.” Ship joins Norfolk-based fleet After it is commissioned, USS Ted Stevens will be based in Norfolk, Virginia. Its addition will give the Navy more Flight III destroyers to help with surface warfare and air and missile defense missions. The Flight III design includes upgrades to meet the Navy’s changing needs at sea. The destroyer’s extra electrical power and cooling are especially important because modern naval systems need more energy and better temperature control. “Equipped with cutting-edge systems and capabilities, USS Ted Stevens is ready to answer our Nation’s call to counter aggression and safeguard our interests by providing a powerful advantage at sea,” revealed Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao. “As we welcome another formidable Arleigh Burke-class destroyer to America’s Fleet, this warship will carry forward the ideals that its namesake spent his entire life defending from the cockpit to the Senate floor.” Named after Alaska senator The destroyer is named for the late Senator Ted Stevens, who served Alaska for decades and was a decorated World War II Army Air Corps pilot. He later became a prominent advocate for Alaska and the U.S. armed forces during his career in the Senate. The Navy selected Whittier for the commissioning ceremony to recognize Alaska’s maritime heritage and the state’s longstanding connection with the service. “USS Ted Stevens is built for the fight, carrying the legacy of service, courage, and determination of a warrior who flew combat missions in World War II and devoted his life to serving his country,” said Vice Adm. Joe Cahill, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. “That legacy now passes to the Sailors who will bring this ship to life, turn her advanced integrated air and missile defense into combat power, and carry Senator Stevens’ standard forward.” Arctic operations remain a priority USS Ted Stevens will enter service as the Navy continues to maintain a presence around Alaska and the wider Arctic region. The service conducts high-latitude maritime security patrols, cold-weather warfare training and joint exercises in the area.These activities support efforts to protect northern sea lanes, strengthen homeland defense and maintain the ability to project naval power in the Arctic. The ship’s sponsors are Stevens’ wife, Catherine Ann Stevens, and his daughters, Susan Stevens Covich and Lily Stevens Becker, preserving a direct connection between the destroyer and the senator’s family throughout its service.Get the latest in engineering, tech, space & science - delivered daily to your inbox.A versatile writer, Sujita has worked with Mashable Middle East and News Daily 24. When she isn't writing, you can find her glued to the latest web series and movies.