USS Zumwalt Departs Bath Iron Works
The U.S. Navy's newest and most technologically advanced surface ship, future USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) departed Bath Iron Works on September 7, marking the beginning of a three-month journey to its new homeport in San Diego.
Crewed by 147 Sailors, Zumwalt is the lead ship of a class of next-generation multi-mission destroyers designed to strengthen naval power.
Named for Admiral Elmo R. "Bud" Zumwalt Jr., former chief of naval operations (CNO) from 1970 to 1974, the Zumwalt-class features a state-of-the-art electric propulsion system, a wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design and the latest war fighting technology and weaponry available.
DDG 1000 will be the first U.S. Navy combatant surface ship to utilize an integrated power system (IPS) to provide electric power for propulsion and ship services. The IPS generates approximately 78 megawatts of power, nearly what a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier generates, to meet the total ship electric power requirements and provide extra capacity to accommodate future weapons and computing systems.
"With 78 megawatts of power generation capacity readily available, DDG 1000 enters the fleet bringing with it a new era of power generation, conversion, and propulsion to the U.S. Navy," said Captain James A. Kirk, Zumwalt's commanding officer.
In addition to its advanced weapon and propulsion systems, Zumwalt is much larger than today's destroyers. At 610 feet long and 80.7 feet wide, Zumwalt is 100 feet longer and 13 feet wider, and its flight deck is 93 percent larger than an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.
Zumwalt will be formally commissioned during Fleet Week Maryland in Baltimore, October 15.
A veteran of World War II and the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, Admiral Zumwalt exemplified honor, courage and commitment during 32 years of dedicated naval service, earning a Bronze Star with Valor for his actions during the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
During his time as CNO, Zumwalt embraced technological innovation and advocated a number of successful programs including, the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine and the F-14 Tomcat, all of which yielded long-term benefits to the warfighting readiness of the Navy.