The Northrop Grumman-built Aegis guided missile destroyer William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) sails the Gulf of Mexico during sea trials last week. Source: Northrop Grumman Corp.
PASCAGOULA, Miss., Jan. 25, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Northrop Grumman Corporation’s (NYSE:NOC) Aegis guided missile destroyer William P. Lawrence (DDG 110) successfully completed her combined super trial last week in the Gulf of Mexico. The successful sea trial paved the way for delivery to the Navy in the next six weeks. The company’s 28th destroyer is being built in Pascagoula.
“I want to thank our shipbuilder and Navy team for a very professional effort culminating in an outstanding acceptance trial,” said Richard Schenk, test and trials vice president, Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding. “This is the last DDG to be delivered for a while and this team has set the bar very high. As a result of all our successful demonstrations and events, we are flying three brooms to signify your achievement. Thank you for your professionalism and teamwork.”
During the trial, Northrop Grumman and the U.S. Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) tested the ship’s weapons, communications and propulsion systems and conducted several other inspections including habitability, water purification and food preparation.
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Tom Williams is the ship’s first commanding officer and will lead a crew of 276 officers and sailors. The 509-foot, 9,200-ton William P. Lawrence has an overall beam of 59 feet and a navigational draft of 31 feet. Four gas-turbine propulsion plants will power the ship to speeds above 30 knots.
DDG 110 honors the late Vice Adm. William P. Lawrence, who spent nearly six years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. He later served as superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy. DDG 110’s sponsors are Diane Wilcox Lawrence, widow of Vice Adm. Lawrence, and Vice Adm. Lawrence’s daughters, Laurie Macpherson Lawrence and retired U.S. Navy Capt. Wendy B. Lawrence, also a former NASA astronaut.
This highly capable multi-mission ship can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection, all in support of the United States’ military strategy. William P. Lawrence will be capable of simultaneously fighting air, surface and subsurface battles. The ship contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.
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