USS Fitzgerald sails for at-sea testing
The US Navy guided-missile destroyer damaged during a collision in 2017 has sailed for at-sea testing following a two-year restoration and modernisation programme.
USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) departed Huntington Ingalls Industries Ingalls Shipbuilding’s Pascagoula shipyard to conduct a series of demonstrations to evaluate the ship’s onboard systems, including navigation, damage control, mechanical and electrical systems, combat systems, communications and propulsion.
Upon Fitzgerald’s return to the shipyard, crew training and certifications will commence as final work items are completed in support of the ship’s sail away later this spring.
After receiving its full complement of basic and advanced phased training, as well as crew and ship certifications, the USS Fitzgerald will return to the navy fleet mission-ready with improved capabilities and lethality.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
UK’s Type 31 frigate balances cost pressure with long-term export ambition
The UK shipbuilder’s full-year results to the end of March revealed the impact of the £140 million charge linked to design changes and rework on the Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.