WATCH: Transition and Launch of the Guided Missile Destroyer Ralph Johnson (DDG 114)

On December 12th, 2015 the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer the Ralph Johnson (DDG 114) was launched from Pascagoula, Mississippi. The guided missile destroyer is named in honor of South Carolina native and Medal of Honor decorated Pfc. Ralph Henry Johnson.

Huntington Ingalls Industries describes that craft as a,”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. Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are capable of simultaneously fighting air, surface and subsurface battles. The ship contains myriad offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense needs well into the 21st century.”

There are four more Arleigh Burke-class destroyers under construction at HII, the last of which is expected to launch in the first half of 2017.