The United States Navy stands as a formidable global force, maintaining a pervasive presence across the world’s oceans. With approximately 470 ships in both active service and the reserve fleet, it commands significant firepower, boasts the most aircraft carriers, and fields one of the largest air forces globally. This impressive fleet is continually evolving, with roughly 105 new ships currently in planning, ordering stages, or under construction, as detailed by the Naval Vessel Register and published reports. The ongoing modernization efforts are crucial in a dynamic international environment where maritime capabilities are more critical than ever.
However, this ambitious shipbuilding program is not without its challenges. The Navy’s highly anticipated shipbuilding projects face years-long delays, an issue that Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro highlighted after a 45-day review in January. The review pointed to “shortfalls” such as labor shortages and supply chain issues as primary causes. Del Toro further noted at the Navy League’s Sea Air Space conference on April 9 that “too many of our industry partners are behind schedule and over budget on our highest priority programs,” a stark reality amid concerns that China is rapidly expanding its naval capabilities, now holding “the largest navy in the world with a battle force of over 370 platforms.”
Despite these hurdles, the U.S. Navy continues to introduce cutting-edge vessels into its ranks, bolstering its strength and technological edge. In this in-depth look, we turn our attention to seven of the newest commissioned ships to join the fleet since 2020. These vessels represent vital advancements in various facets of naval warfare, from expeditionary support and stealthy undersea operations to versatile littoral combat and robust guided-missile defense. Each new addition underscores the Navy’s unwavering commitment to maintaining its strategic advantage and adapting to the complexities of modern maritime security.
1. **USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4)**The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4) officially joined the ranks of the U.S. Navy on March 7, 2020, immediately becoming a crucial asset for expanding the fleet’s expeditionary capabilities. As an Expeditionary Mobile Base, this ship is designed to provide robust and flexible support for a multitude of naval and marine operations around the globe. Its primary function is to act as a mobile sea base, capable of facilitating everything from special operations and counter-piracy missions to humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts in remote or challenging environments, ensuring that forces can operate effectively without constant reliance on fixed shore infrastructure.
This impressive vessel is a key component of the distinguished Lewis B. Puller-class, a category of ships that significantly enhances the Navy’s ability to project power and maintain sustained presence. The U.S. Navy currently operates a total of four Expeditionary Mobile Bases, with the Hershel “Woody” Williams being a pivotal member of this elite group. These ships are characterized by their expansive, reconfigurable flight decks, substantial storage capacity, and inherent adaptability. Such design features allow them to host various aircraft, including helicopters and drones, as well as small boats and a large complement of personnel, making them incredibly versatile platforms for diverse mission sets.
The strategic value of an Expeditionary Mobile Base like the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams is particularly pronounced in an era where global reach and rapid response are paramount. It effectively extends the operational footprint of the Navy, enabling forward deployment and sustained maritime security operations in key regions, often far from traditional land-based support. By providing vital logistical support, comprehensive command and control facilities, and an adaptable staging area at sea, ESBs ensure that American forces can respond swiftly and effectively to emerging threats or crises, underscoring their role as indispensable assets in maintaining global stability and protecting national interests.
Beyond their logistical prowess, these expeditionary bases embody the Navy’s commitment to innovative solutions for complex operational challenges. They offer unique support for special warfare, acting as discreet and formidable platforms for specialized units. Their ability to maintain presence and support forces over extended durations in contested or austere environments significantly enhances the agility and effectiveness of U.S. forces operating worldwide. The commissioning of the USS Hershel “Woody” Williams reinforced the fleet’s capacity for sustained, flexible operations, a vital component of modern naval strategy.
Military equipment: USS Hershel “Woody” Williams
ShipImage: USNS Hershel Woody Williams (T-ESB-4) at anchor in the Chesapeake Bay on 15 September 2019 (190915-N-OH262-0709).JPG
ShipImageSize: 300px
ShipCaption: Then-USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams in September 2019
ShipFlag: USN flag
ShipCountry: United States
ShipNamesake: Hershel W. Williams
ShipBuilder: General Dynamics
ShipLaidDown: 2 August 2016
ShipLaunched: 19 August 2017
ShipChristened: 21 October 2017
ShipAcquired: 22 February 2018
ShipCommissioned: 7 March 2020
ShipIdentification: IMO Number
ShipMotto: Peace We Seek, Peace We Keep
ShipStatus: Ship in active service
ShipBadge: File:USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4) Crest.png
ShipClass: Expeditionary Mobile Base
ShipLength: 784 ft
ShipComplement: 19 officers, 231 enlisted
ShipSensors: SEA GIRAFFE AMB
ShipAircraft: Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion
Categories: 2017 ships, Amphibious warfare vessels of the United States, Articles with short description, CS1 Afrikaans-language sources (af), CS1 Spanish-language sources (es)
Summary: USS Hershel “Woody” Williams (ESB-4) (formerly USNS Hershel “Woody” Williams (T-ESB-4)) is a Lewis B. Puller-class expeditionary mobile base (ESB), currently in service with the United States Navy. The ship is also a sub-variant of the Montford Point-class expeditionary transfer dock (ESD). The ESDs are operated by the Navy’s Military Sealift Command with predominantly civilian crews, while the ESBs, owing to the nature of their operations, have been commissioned and commanded directly by the U.S. Navy. The ship was named in honor of Hershel W. “Woody” Williams in an announcement by then-Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus, on 14 January 2016. Williams was a Marine who was awarded the Medal of Honor in the Battle of Iwo Jima, during World War II.
The $498 million contract for the then-unnamed vessel was awarded to the National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO), a division of General Dynamics, in December 2014. Her keel was laid on 2 August 2016, and she was scheduled to be completed in early 2018. The vessel was christened on 21 October 2017, at NASSCO in San Diego. The ship was delivered to Military Sealift Command on 22 February 2018, and placed into service the same day.
Hershel “Woody” Williams will be the first Navy ship other than the Littoral Combat Ship and Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate to deploy the Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout rotary-wing UCAV.
The ship was commissioned by the Navy in Norfolk, Virginia on 7 March 2020. Williams was present for the ship commissioning ceremony.
Since 2020 it is deployed to Souda Bay Naval Base in the Mediterranean Sea.
Hershel “Woody” Williams, while with the U.S. Sixth Fleet, visited Cape Town, South Africa in February 2021, and again in August 2022.
On 28 February 2023, Hershel “Woody” Williams arrived in Mersin, Turkey to deliver relief supplies for those affected by the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.
On 10 May 2024, Hershel “Woody” Williams suffered a “soft” grounding after leaving port in Gabon, Africa.
On 3 June 2024, Hershel “Woody” Williams made its first visit to the port of Malaga to complete a rest call.
Get more information about: USS Hershel “Woody” Williams
2. **USS Delaware (SSN-791)**On April 4, 2020, the U.S. Navy welcomed the USS Delaware (SSN-791) into its operational fleet, marking another significant milestone for its undersea warfare capabilities. As a Virginia-class attack submarine, the USS Delaware represents the pinnacle of modern submarine technology, designed for a broad spectrum of missions. These include anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence gathering, special operations force delivery, and strike operations, making it a versatile and critical asset in maintaining naval superiority beneath the waves.
The Virginia-class submarines are renowned for their stealth, speed, and advanced combat systems, embodying the forefront of nuclear-powered fast attack submarine design. Currently, the U.S. Navy boasts a formidable fleet of 50 attack submarines, with the Delaware contributing directly to this powerful force. The class is continually expanding, with 11 additional attack submarines currently under construction and another 9 on order, demonstrating a sustained commitment to undersea dominance. This ongoing investment ensures that the Navy retains its decisive advantage in covert operations and strategic deterrence.
Each Virginia-class submarine is engineered for extreme endurance and covert long-range missions, capable of operating undetected in diverse ocean environments for extended periods. Their sophisticated sonar systems, advanced weaponry, and ability to launch special operations forces from undersea give them unmatched tactical flexibility. The USS Delaware, like its sister ships, plays a crucial role in collecting vital intelligence, protecting carrier strike groups, and projecting power in politically sensitive areas, all while remaining largely invisible to potential adversaries.
The commissioning of vessels like the USS Delaware reinforces the U.S. Navy’s commitment to high-end warfare capabilities. These submarines are not only vital for traditional naval combat but also for addressing emerging threats in an increasingly complex maritime domain. Their technological sophistication allows for unparalleled situational awareness and precision strike capabilities, ensuring that the Navy can effectively counter peer competitors and maintain freedom of navigation globally. The USS Delaware is a silent, deadly, and unstoppable component of the U.S. fleet, embodying the future of undersea warfare.
Military equipment: USS Delaware (SSN-791)
ShipImage: USS Delaware (SSN-791) transits the Atlantic Ocean during builder’s sea trials in August 2019 – 2.jpg
ShipCaption: Delaware underway during her builder’s sea trials
ShipCountry: United States
ShipFlag: USN flag
ShipName: USS Delaware
ShipNamesake: Delaware
ShipAwarded: 22 December 2008
ShipBuilder: Newport News Shipbuilding
ShipLaidDown: 30 April 2016
ShipLaunched: 14 December 2018
ShipSponsor: Jill Biden
ShipChristened: 20 October 2018
ShipAcquired: 25 October 2019
ShipCommissioned: 4 April 2020
ShipHomeport: Groton, Connecticut
ShipStatus: In active service
ShipClass: sclass
ShipDisplacement: 7800 tons light, 7800 tons full
ShipLength: 114.9 m
Abbr: on
ShipBeam: 10.3 m
ShipPropulsion: Virginia-class submarine propulsion
ShipSpeed: 25 kn
ShipRange: Essentially unlimited distance; 33 years
ShipTestDepth: 800 ft
ShipComplement: 134 (14 officers, 120 enlisted)
Categories: All stub articles, Articles with short description, Commons category link is on Wikidata, Nuclear submarines of the United States Navy, Ships built in Groton, Connecticut
Summary: USS Delaware (SSN-791) is a Virginia-class attack submarine built for the United States Navy. The contract to build her was awarded to Huntington Ingalls Industries in partnership with the Electric Boat division of General Dynamics in Newport News, Virginia on 22 December 2008. This boat is the eighth and final of the Block III submarines that feature a revised bow, including some technology from Ohio-class SSGNs. Construction on Delaware began in September 2013. She was christened on 20 October 2018. She was commissioned administratively after the standard commissioning ceremony was cancelled due to public health concerns over the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Delaware was the first ever US ship commissioned while underwater. The official commissioning ceremony occurred 2 April 2022 at the Port of Wilmington, Delaware.
Get more information about: USS Delaware (SSN-791)
3. **USS Vermont (SSN-792)**Just two weeks after the USS Delaware, another formidable Virginia-class attack submarine, the USS Vermont (SSN-792), was commissioned on April 18, 2020. This rapid succession of commissions highlights the U.S. Navy’s urgent and continuous effort to modernize its undersea fleet and bolster its strategic advantage. The USS Vermont, like all vessels in its class, is designed to be a multi-mission platform, proficient in intelligence collection, special warfare support, and precision strike capabilities against both surface and submerged targets.
The Virginia-class submarines, including the USS Vermont, are celebrated for their cutting-edge technological advancements and operational stealth. These nuclear-powered fast attack submarines are purpose-built to operate in both open ocean and littoral environments, offering unmatched flexibility. They are equipped with advanced sensors and weapon systems, including torpedoes and cruise missiles, making them exceptionally potent. With 50 attack submarines already in service and more continually being built and ordered, the fleet’s undersea strength is steadily growing, ensuring a robust defensive and offensive posture.
The deployment of Virginia-class submarines such as the USS Vermont is crucial for maintaining global maritime security and deterring potential adversaries. Their ability to remain undetected for extended periods allows for covert intelligence gathering and the silent insertion of special operations forces, providing invaluable strategic options. Furthermore, their capacity for precision strikes from beneath the waves offers a significant tactical advantage, contributing to the overall lethality and reach of the U.S. Navy’s combat power. These submarines are engineered to thrive in the most challenging of maritime theaters.
In a geopolitical landscape where undersea capabilities are becoming increasingly vital, the addition of the USS Vermont underscores the unwavering commitment of the United States to maintaining its naval supremacy. These submarines are not merely vessels; they are sophisticated war machines representing years of advanced engineering and strategic foresight. Their integration into the active fleet ensures that the U.S. Navy possesses the critical assets required to protect national interests, support allies, and project unparalleled power across the world’s oceans, affirming their status as silent, deadly, and unstoppable guardians of the deep.
Continuing our deep dive into the U.S. Navy’s modernized fleet, we now shift our focus to the next wave of cutting-edge vessels commissioned since 2020. These ships, ranging from versatile littoral combat platforms to robust amphibious assault vessels and guided-missile destroyers, each bring unique and indispensable capabilities to America’s naval power. They underscore the Navy’s ongoing commitment to innovation, strategic superiority, and global maritime security in an increasingly complex world.
Military equipment: USS Vermont (SSN-792)
InfoboxCaption: true
ShipImage: USS Vermont (SSN-792) underway on the Thames River at Groton, Connecticut (USA), on 15 October 2020 (201015-N-AY957-202).JPG
ShipCaption: USS Vermont, in October 2020
ShipCountry: United States
ShipFlag: [object Object]
ShipName: USS Vermont
ShipNamesake: U.S. state
ShipOrdered: 28 April 2014
ShipBuilder: General Dynamics Electric Boat,Groton, Connecticut
ShipLaidDown: February 2017
ShipLaunched: 29 March 2019
ShipChristened: 20 October 2018
ShipAcquired: 17 April 2020
ShipCommissioned: 18 April 2020
ShipHomeport: Pearl Harbor, HI
ShipIdentification: Hull classification symbol#Submarine type
ShipStatus: In active service
ShipSponsor: Gloria L. Valdez
ShipClass: sclass
ShipDisplacement: ton
ShipLength: 377 ft
Abbr: on
ShipBeam: 34 ft
ShipDraft: 32 ft
ShipPropulsion: Virginia-class submarine propulsion
ShipSpeed: 25 knots (46 km/h)
ShipEndurance: can remain submerged indefinitely dependent on food stores and maintenance requirements.
ShipTestDepth: 800 ft
ShipComplement: 120 enlisted men and women
ShipArmament: Mark 48 torpedo,BGM-109 Tomahawk
Categories: All articles with dead external links, Articles with dead external links from April 2025, Articles with short description, CS1 Brazilian Portuguese-language sources (pt-br), Short description is different from Wikidata
Summary: USS Vermont (SSN-792) is a Virginia-class nuclear powered attack submarine in the United States Navy. She is the 19th boat of the class and the third vessel of the Navy to be named for the U.S. state of Vermont. Then Secretary of the Navy, Ray Mabus, announced her name on 18 September 2014.
Vermont was part of a construction contract, worth US$17.6 billion, awarded to General Dynamics Electric Boat to build ten Virginia-class submarines, the first of the Block IV type.
On 20 October 2018, Vermont was christened with a bottle of Vermont sparkling apple wine during a ceremony held at the Electric Boat facility in Groton, Connecticut. She was delivered to the Navy on 17 April 2020, and commissioned on 18 April 2020.
On July 27, 2023, Vermont arrived in her new home port of Pearl Harbor, HI. The submarine is assigned under Submarine Squadron ONE.
Get more information about: USS Vermont (SSN-792)
4. **USS Kansas City (LCS-22)**The USS Kansas City (LCS-22) officially entered service on June 20, 2020, significantly boosting the U.S. Navy’s littoral combat capabilities. As an Independence-class littoral combat ship, it is specifically designed for operations in near-shore environments, addressing asymmetric threats such as mines, quiet diesel submarines, and fast surface craft. This vessel’s modular design allows it to be rapidly reconfigured for various missions, providing unparalleled flexibility in contested coastal waters.
The Independence-class LCS is recognized for its unique trimaran hull form, which grants it exceptional speed, stability, and a large flight deck capable of operating multiple helicopters and unmanned aerial systems. These characteristics make the USS Kansas City particularly adept at critical missions like intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), as well as providing agile surface warfare and anti-mine capabilities, adapting swiftly to evolving threats in complex maritime scenarios.
Currently, the U.S. Navy operates a fleet of 26 littoral combat ships out of a planned 31, with the Kansas City being a key component. Its deployment enhances the Navy’s ability to maintain a persistent presence in strategic shallow-water regions globally, where larger, deeper-draft vessels might struggle. This adaptability is vital for protecting commercial shipping lanes, supporting special operations forces, and responding to regional contingencies with speed and precision.
While the shipbuilding program for littoral combat ships has seen shifts, with some older LCS vessels entering the reserve fleet or proposed for retirement, the continued commissioning of advanced units like the USS Kansas City highlights the enduring need for versatile, high-speed platforms. These ships are integral to maintaining maritime dominance in an era where distributed lethality and forward presence are paramount.
Military equipment: USS Kansas City (LCS-22)
ShipImage: USS Kansas City (LCS 22) arrives at Naval Base San Diego for the first time – 2.jpg
ShipCaption: USS Kansas City in San Diego on 24 May 2020
ShipCountry: United States
ShipFlag: USN flag
ShipName: Kansas City
ShipNamesake: Kansas City, Missouri
ShipSponsor: Tracy Davidson
ShipAwarded: 29 December 2010
ShipBuilder: Austal USA
ShipLaidDown: 15 November 2017
ShipLaunched: 19 October 2018
ShipChristened: 22 September 2018
ShipAcquired: 12 February 2020
ShipCommissioned: 20 June 2020
ShipHomeport: Naval Base San Diego
ShipIdentification: MMSI
ShipStatus: Active
ShipMotto: United We Stand, Divided We Fall
ShipBadge: File:USS Kansas City (LCS-22) Crest.png
ShipClass: sclass
ShipDisplacement: 2,307 metric tons light, 3,104 metric tons full, 797 metric tons deadweight
ShipLength: 127.4 m
Abbr: on
ShipBeam: 31.6 m
ShipDraft: 14 ft
ShipPropulsion: Azimuth thruster
ShipSpeed: 40 kn
ShipRange: 20 kn
ShipComplement: 41 core crew (9 officers, 32 enlisted) plus up to 35 mission crew
ShipCapacity: 210 tonnes
ShipSensors: Bridgemaster-E Navigational RADAR,AN/KAX-2 EO/IR sensor for GFC
ShipEw: SRBOC
ShipArmament: BAE Systems Land and Armaments,Mk 110 57 mm gun
ShipAircraft: SH-60 Seahawk
Categories: 2018 ships, All articles with dead external links, All stub articles, Articles with dead external links from April 2025, Articles with short description
Summary: USS Kansas City (LCS-22) is an Independence-class littoral combat ship of the United States Navy. She is the third ship to be named for Kansas City, the largest city in the U.S. state of Missouri.
Get more information about: USS Kansas City (LCS-22)
5. **USS Tripoli (LHA-7)**Commissioned on July 15, 2020, the USS Tripoli (LHA-7) represents a formidable addition to the U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault fleet, significantly enhancing its power projection capabilities. As an America-class amphibious assault ship, the Tripoli is designed to embark, deploy, and land elements of a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) with a primary emphasis on aviation. This makes it a crucial asset for both humanitarian aid and sustained combat operations.
A standout feature of the USS Tripoli is its design to operate in a “light aircraft carrier mode.” This configuration allows it to embark two squadrons of F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, dramatically increasing its offensive air power and close air support capabilities for amphibious operations. This flexibility positions it as a highly capable platform for projecting force from the sea, a strategic advantage in regions without access to traditional land-based airfields.
The U.S. Navy currently operates nine amphibious assault ships, with the Tripoli enhancing this critical force. Its ability to serve as a mobile sea base for Marine Corps operations, including vertical lift assault and extended operations, is indispensable. Former Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger has emphasized the vital role of amphibious warfare ships, noting their necessity for maintaining at least two ARG/MEUs at sea and providing rapid disaster-relief responses, capabilities that ships like the Tripoli deliver.
The USS Tripoli’s advanced capabilities are central to maintaining global stability and responding to crises around the world. From providing comprehensive medical facilities and logistical support during humanitarian missions to launching decisive strikes in high-intensity conflicts, the Tripoli embodies the Navy’s commitment to adaptable and overwhelming power. It ensures that the U.S. can respond effectively to emerging threats and safeguard national interests across vast maritime expanses.
Military equipment: USS Tripoli (LHA-7)
ShipImage: USS Tripoli (LHA-7) underway in the Gulf of Mexico on 15 July 2019 (190715-O-N0101-115).JPG
ShipCaption: USS Tripoli underway on 15 July 2019
ShipCountry: United States
ShipFlag: USN flag
ShipName: Tripoli
ShipNamesake: Battle of Derne
ShipSponsor: Lynne Mabus
ShipAwarded: 31 May 2012
ShipBuilder: Huntington Ingalls Industries
ShipLaidDown: 20 June 2014
ShipLaunched: 1 May 2017
ShipChristened: 16 September 2017
ShipAcquired: 28 February 2020
ShipCommissioned: 15 July 2020
ShipIdentification: Maritime call sign
ShipHomeport: United States Fleet Activities Sasebo
ShipStatus: Ship in active service
ShipMotto: (In the Air, on Land, and Sea)
ShipBadge: File:USS Tripoli (LHA-7) Crest.png
ShipClass: sclass
ShipDisplacement: convert
ShipLength: 844 ft
Abbr: on (7.9 meters)
ShipBeam: 106 ft
ShipDraft: 26 ft
ShipPropulsion: Gas turbine#Naval
ShipSpeed: 22 kn
ShipComplement: United States Marine Corps
ShipSensors: fire-control radar
ShipEw: Nulka
ShipArmament: RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile
ShipAircraft: AV-8B Harrier II
Categories: 2017 ships, All Wikipedia articles written in American English, America-class amphibious assault ships, Articles with short description, CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list
Summary: USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is the second America-class amphibious assault ship built for the United States Navy. On 7 May 2012, United States Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced the ship’s name as Tripoli, in honor of the US Marine Corps victory against Tripoli at the Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War. This is the third US Naval ship to carry the name, the first being USS Tripoli (CVE-64), an escort carrier from World War II and the second being USS Tripoli (LPH-10), an amphibious assault ship that served during the Cold War.
Get more information about: USS Tripoli (LHA-7)
6. **USS St. Louis (LCS-19)**The USS St. Louis (LCS-19) was commissioned on August 8, 2020, further bolstering the U.S. Navy’s littoral combat and coastal defense forces. As a Freedom-class littoral combat ship, it brings distinct advantages to the fleet, complementing the Independence-class with its own specialized design for focused missions in complex, dynamic maritime environments.
The Freedom-class LCS is engineered for speed and agility, making it exceptionally effective in executing surface warfare, mine countermeasures, and anti-submarine warfare missions in littoral areas. Its advanced combat systems and mission module packages allow it to quickly adapt to diverse operational requirements, providing a responsive and potent presence in regions where conventional warships may face limitations.
The commissioning of the USS St. Louis highlights the continuous investment in platforms designed to operate effectively in shallow, near-shore zones that are often critical for global commerce and geopolitical influence. Its ability to rapidly deploy, conduct surveillance, and engage threats ensures vital security in maritime chokepoints and coastal regions, protecting U.S. interests and supporting allies.
As part of the U.S. Navy’s diverse fleet of littoral combat ships, the USS St. Louis contributes significantly to the overall flexibility and strategic depth of naval operations. These ships are essential for bridging the gap between large, blue-water combatants and smaller patrol craft, providing a crucial layer of defense and offensive capability in the increasingly complex maritime domain.
Military equipment: USS St. Louis (LCS-19)
ShipImage: USS St. Louis (LCS-19) on her commissioning ceremony.jpg
ShipCaption: USS St. Louis during her commissioning ceremony on 8 August 2020
ShipCountry: United States
ShipFlag: USN flag
ShipName: St. Louis
ShipNamesake: St. Louis, MO
ShipAwarded: 29 December 2010
ShipBuilder: Marinette Marine
ShipLaidDown: 17 May 2017
ShipLaunched: 15 December 2018
ShipSponsor: Barbara Broadhurst Taylor
ShipChristened: 15 December 2018
ShipAcquired: 6 February 2020
ShipCommissioned: 8 August 2020
ShipIdentification: MMSI
ShipStatus: Active
ShipMotto: Gateway to Freedom
ShipBadge: File:USS St. Louis (LCS-19) Crest.png
ShipClass: sclass
ShipDisplacement: 3500 MT
ShipLength: 378.3 ft
Abbr: on high-speed boats
ShipBeam: 57.4 ft
ShipDraft: 13.0 ft
ShipPropulsion: Rolls-Royce plc,Rolls-Royce Marine Trent
ShipSpeed: 45 kn
ShipRange: 3500 nmi
ShipEndurance: 21 days (336 hours)
ShipComplement: 15 to 50 core crew, 75 mission crew (Blue and Gold crews)
ShipArmament: BAE Systems Land and Armaments,Mk 110 57 mm gun
ShipAircraft: SH-60 Seahawk
ShipBoats: 40 ft
ShipAircraftFacilities: Flight Deck, Hangar Bay
ShipNotes: Isotta-Fraschini
Categories: 2018 ships, All articles with dead external links, All stub articles, Articles with dead external links from April 2025, Articles with short description
Summary: USS St. Louis (LCS-19) is a Freedom-class littoral combat ship of the United States Navy. She is the seventh ship in naval service named after St. Louis, Missouri.
Get more information about: USS St. Louis (LCS-19)
7. **USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119)**Concluding our review of the Navy’s newest commissioned vessels since 2020 is the USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119), which joined the fleet on August 26, 2020. This Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer is a cornerstone of American naval power, renowned for its multi-mission capabilities, particularly its robust guided-missile defense.
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are among the most capable and successful warships ever built, forming the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s surface combatant fleet. These destroyers are equipped with sophisticated radar, sonar, and weapon systems that enable them to conduct air defense, anti-surface warfare, and anti-submarine warfare. With 76 destroyers currently in service, and many more under construction or on order, this class ensures overwhelming combat readiness.
The USS Delbert D. Black, like its sister ships, plays a critical role in supporting carrier strike groups, conducting independent operations, and providing essential missile defense for U.S. interests and allied nations. Its advanced Aegis Combat System allows it to track and engage numerous targets simultaneously, making it an indispensable asset for deterring aggression and maintaining freedom of navigation in contested waters.
Despite the broader challenges of shipbuilding delays that the Navy faces, the commissioning of vessels like the USS Delbert D. Black underscores the unwavering commitment to enhancing its high-end warfare capabilities. These destroyers are not merely ships; they are mobile fortresses designed to project power, defend critical assets, and assert maritime control globally, solidifying the U.S. Navy’s position as a premier fighting force.
Military equipment: USS Delbert D. Black
ShipImage: USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119) is undergoing builder’s trials in the Gulf of Mexico.jpg
ShipCaption: USS Delbert D. Black on 10 February 2020
ShipCountry: United States
ShipFlag: USN flag
ShipName: Delbert D. Black
ShipNamesake: Delbert Black
Title: Destroyer named for revered 1st MCPON, Delbert Black
Website: Navy Times
Date: Fri Mar 13 2015 00:00:00 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time)
First: Mark D.
Last: Faram
Url: http://www.navytimes.com/story/military/2015/03/13/uss-delbert-black-ddg-secnav-mcpon/70263586/
AccessDate: 23 August 2015
ShipAwarded: 3 June 2013
ShipBuilder: Ingalls Shipbuilding
ShipLaidDown: 1 June 2016
ShipLaunched: 8 September 2017
ShipSponsor: Ima Jewell Black
ShipChristened: 4 November 2017
ShipAcquired: 24 April 2020
ShipCommissioned: 26 September 2020
ShipIdentification: Hull number
ShipStatus: ship in active service
ShipHomeport: Naval Station Mayport
ShipMotto: Anchored in Arms
ShipBadge: File:USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119) Crest.png
ShipClass: sclass
ShipDisplacement: 9200 LT
Abbr: on
ShipLength: 513 ft
ShipDraft: 31 ft
ShipPropulsion: General Electric LM2500,gas turbine
ShipSpeed: Convert
ShipComplement: 330 officers and enlisted
ShipArmament: Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Flight IIA/III armament
ShipAircraft: Arleigh Burke-class destroyer Flight IIA/III aircraft
ShipAircraftFacilities: hangar
Categories: 2017 ships, All articles with dead external links, Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, Articles with dead external links from August 2025, Articles with permanently dead external links
Summary: USS Delbert D. Black (DDG-119) is an Arleigh Burke-class (Flight IIA Technology Insertion) Aegis guided missile destroyer of the United States Navy.
Get more information about: USS Delbert D. Black
These newest additions to the U.S. Navy’s fleet—from the agile littoral combat ships to the versatile amphibious assault vessel and the formidable guided-missile destroyer—collectively represent the cutting edge of modern naval warfare. They are tangible proof of the Navy’s relentless pursuit of innovation and its dedication to maintaining a strategic advantage. Despite persistent challenges in shipbuilding, the integration of these sophisticated vessels ensures that the U.S. Navy remains a globally unmatched force, capable of deterring adversaries, protecting vital interests, and responding decisively to any maritime challenge across the world’s oceans. The future of naval power is being built, one advanced ship at a time, solidifying America’s role as the preeminent guardian of the seas.
