The USS Zumwalt is the newest and most technologically advanced surface combatant in the arsenal of the U.S. Navy, marking a monumental leap in naval warfare technology. The lead ship of its class, the Zumwalt class of destroyers heralds unmatched multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities, including Long-Range Precision Strike, Anti-Air Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, and Anti-Surface Warfare.
Zumwalt class destroyers are designed to operate independently or as part of Carrier Strike Groups, Surface Action Groups, and Expeditionary Strike Groups. The level of their power due to the stealth and advanced technology raises a new depth of battlespace complexity for possible opponents. “This ship is an example of a larger initiative to increase operational stability and give the U.S. a strategic advantage,” said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus during the commissioning ceremony.
The USS Zumwalt features advanced electric drive, wave-piercing tumblehome hull form, and the latest warfighting technology and weaponry. Among the groundbreaking features of this ship is the Integrated Power System. The IPS generates power for propulsion, ship’s service, and combat system loads from the same gas turbine prime movers. This power flexibility allows for appreciable savings in energy and is very much conceived to be applied in the enablement of high-energy weapons and sensors in the future.
It is of such size, its power, and its stealth design that it would be hard to detect a ship like this close to the shores or far out in the sea. In addition to that, Zumwalt class destroyers are equipped with a Multi-Function Radar that can execute area air surveillance, including over-land search and track, across the challenging sea-land interface.
Construction on the USS Zumwalt began in February 2009, and the vessel was commissioned on October 15, 2016, at North Locust Point in Baltimore. In keeping with naval tradition, the co-sponsors of the ship, Ann Zumwalt and Mouzetta Zumwalt-Weathers—daughters of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr.—gave the order to “man our ship and bring her to life.”.
The USS Zumwalt is currently assigned to Surface Development Squadron One, performing at-sea testing and fleet exercises to maintain crew proficiency. The ship will continue first-of-class developmental and integrated at-sea testing, as well as fleet employment opportunities, through the commencement of the Conventional Prompt Strike installation in October 2023.
The Zumwalt class of destroyers is named after notable figures in naval history. DDG 1001 is named Michael Monsoor in honor of Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Monsoor, a Navy SEAL awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously. DDG 1002 is named Lyndon B. Johnson in honor of the 36th President of the United States.
The Navy is still on track to field CPS on the Zumwalt class destroyers by FY2025. This capability will be integrated with the space made available by the forward mount of the Advanced Gun System (AGS) and will leave the aft mount open for future capabilities.
The USS Zumwalt embodies the legacy of warfighting excellence and innovation of Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt Jr., a veteran of World War II and the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. “Today’s ceremony marked the culmination of over three years of dedication and hard work by some of the finest Sailors I have had the pleasure to lead,” said Capt. James A. Kirk, commanding officer of Zumwalt. As directed, the USS Zumwalt will be at the core of deterrence and stability in the maritime environment; it challenges adversaries and refashions naval warfare for generations with its stealth, size, power, and advanced combat systems.