An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

  

USS Zumwalt, Navy's Most Advanced Surface Warship, Commissioned in Baltimore

17 October 2016

From USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) Public Affairs

Download Icon Download
BALTIMORE (NNS) -- The Navy's newest and most technologically advanced warship, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) was commissioned into active service Saturday, Oct. 15, at North Locust Point in Baltimore.

Zumwalt, the lead ship of a class of next-generation multi-mission destroyers, features a state-of-the-art electric propulsion system, wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design, and the latest warfighting technology and weaponry available. 

Secretary of the Navy, the Hon. Ray Mabus, delivered the ceremony's principal address. 

"This ship is an example of a larger initiative to increase operational stability and give the U.S. a strategic advantage," said Mabus. "Our Navy and our Marine Corps, uniquely, provide presence - around the globe, around the clock - ensuring stability, reassuring allies, deterring adversaries, and providing the nation's leaders with options in times of crisis."

The ship's co-sponsors, Ann Zumwalt and Mouzetta Zumwalt-Weathers, are daughters of former Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr., after whom the ship is named. The sisters were an integral part of the ceremony, giving the order to "man our ship and bring her to life," in keeping with naval tradition.

The Zumwalt-class destroyer will be capable of performing a range of deterrence, power projection, sea control, and command and control missions while allowing the Navy to evolve with new systems and missions. It does all of this while maintaining its stealth - making this visually imposing ship difficult to find whether close to the shore or far out to sea. 

"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. "The only thing more impressive than the capabilities of the ship are the capabilities of its fine crew."

Zumwalt will challenge adversaries and their way of thinking about how we employ our forces, providing an asymmetric advantage. Working with Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, littoral combat ships, and amphibious ships to form adaptive force packages, Zumwalt-class destroyers will use its computing capabilities to make these groups more lethal through increased range, deception, computer integration, and data analysis from various platforms. With its stealth, size, power, and advanced combat systems, this warship will serve as a centerpiece for deterrence and stability in the maritime environment. 

"This destroyer, like the others in our fleet, is capable of projecting power, no doubt," said Mabus. "The Zumwalt-class is much larger than today's destroyers with a considerably larger flight deck - enough space to operate host Joint Strike Fighters, MV-22 Ospreys, and unmanned systems and a Vertical Launch System second to none."

In addition to its size, the Zumwalt class will be the first Navy warships to utilize an integrated power system that will produce enough power to run current systems, as well as the power required for future weapons, computing, and sensor systems. Zumwalt generates approximately 78 megawatts of power, almost as much as a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. This means the ship can operate all of its systems and still generate enough electricity to power a small town, which provides the extra capacity to accommodate future weapons and computing systems. Combined with its size and power, Zumwalt will be able to integrate emerging technologies and new capabilities as they are delivered to the fleet. 

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. He exemplified honor, courage and commitment during 32 years of dedicated naval service. Believing it was his job to "modernize and humanize" the Navy, Zumwalt chose to embrace change and to lead it from within. 

"I witnessed as he [Zumwalt] transformed our Navy, one Z-gram at a time... removing demeaning and abrasive regulations and moving to eliminate the scourge of racism and sexism from within our Navy," said Mabus. "Among many initiatives, he opened flight training to women and increased recruiting of under-represented Americans. And, as has always been the case when we open opportunities in our Navy and Marine Corps, we got stronger."

As the nineteenth Chief of Naval Operations, Zumwalt embrace of innovation resulted in a number of successful new programs, including the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine and the F-14 Tomcat, all of which had lasting impacts on the warfighting readiness of the Navy. 

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson, also spoke at the ceremony, commenting on the significance of the ship's namesake.

"Admiral Zumwalt, especially during his time as CNO, ensured that our institution lived by its values," said Richardson. "He was the 'The Sailor's Admiral,' looking at new ideas, acting to the limit of his authorities, and adjusting along the way to make his Navy ready for combat - but also with full cognizance of the impact on the Sailors that made up that Navy."

Perhaps most importantly, Adm. Zumwalt was a social reformer who recognized the primary force-multiplier of the U.S. Navy continued to be its Sailors, and as such began quality of life improvements throughout the Fleet. He was considered a "thinking officer" who was devoted to Sailors and creating an environment where everyone was treated equally - a legacy that can that can be seen today in the diversity of the fleet. His "one Navy" mentality reminds today's Sailors that taking care of our warfighters ensures the Navy remains tough, bold and ready.

"To say the Navy was transformed by Admiral Zumwalt is an understatement. Indeed, every leader on this stage and the great crew standing before us has benefited from Bud Zuwalt's passion to make the Navy even better," said Vice Adm. Tom Rowden, commander, Naval Surface Forces during the ceremony. "So today we welcome this revolutionary warship to the fleet. A ship that demonstrates daring design and cutting-edge capability." 

"On behalf of the U.S. Naval Surface Force, I proudly accept ownership of the Navy's newest ship to the fleet," Rowden said.

Zumwalt is scheduled to begin her transit to San Diego, making several port visits along the way. Upon arrival in San Diego, USS Zumwalt will begin installation of her combat systems, testing and evaluation, and operational integration with the fleet. 

Once fully integrated, Zumwalt's stealth, power and lethality will provide a vital link from the Navy's current needs to its future capabilities.


For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), visit www.navy.mil/local/DDG1000/.
CONNECT WITH USINDOPACOM
Facebook

Like Us
X

Follow Us

ENGAGE & CONNECT MORE WITH PACOM

                                      

IN THE USINDOPACOM NEWS
Nimitz Carrier Strike Group departs Bremerton for regularly scheduled Indo-Pacific deployment
Sailors man the rails on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) in the Puget Sound after getting underway for a regularly scheduled Indo-Pacific deployment, March 21, 2025. An integral part of U.S. Pacific Fleet, U.S. 3rd Fleet operates naval forces in the Indo-Pacific and provides the realistic and relevant training to ensure the readiness necessary to execute the U.S. Navy’s timeless role across the full spectrum of military operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Hannah Kantner)
March 22, 2025 - The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) departed Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington, for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific, March 21. For five decades, the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group has upheld...
USINDOPACOM Commander Travels to Sri Lanka
Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, participates in an honors ceremony during a visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka, March 21, 2025. The trip reaffirmed the partnership between the U.S. and Sri Lanka, which has contributed to regional security through military cooperation founded on robust people-to-people ties for more than 75 years. USINDOPACOM is committed to enhancing stability in the Indo-Pacific region by promoting security cooperation, encouraging peaceful development, responding to contingencies, deterring aggression and, when necessary, prevailing in conflict. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon M. Smith)
March 21, 2025 - Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, headquartered in Hawaii, visited Sri Lanka from March 19-22, 2025, reaffirming the enduring U.S. and Sri Lanka security partnership...
Freedom Shield 25 successfully concludes
March 20, 2025 - CAMP HUMPHREYS, PYEONGTAEK, South Korea — The United States and the Republic of Korea today concluded Exercise Freedom Shield 25, enhancing combined readiness, strengthening the Alliance’s defense posture, and demonstrating...
U.S. Marines and Singapore Guards Begin the 27th Iteration of Exercise Valiant Mark in Singapore
U.S. Marines with 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, attached to Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia, I Marine Expeditionary Force, conduct the opening ceremony for Valiant Mark 25 on Bedok Camp, Singapore, March 17, 2025. Valiant Mark is an annual, bilateral training exercise designed to enhance interoperability, build mutual defense capabilities, and strengthen military-to-military relationships between the U.S. Marine Corps and Singapore Armed Forces. MRF-SEA is a rotational unit derived from elements of I MEF executing a U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific operational model that involves training events and exchanges with partner military subject matter experts, promotes security goals with Allied and partner nations, and ensures a persistent I MEF stand-in presence west of the international date line. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Shaina Jupiter)
March 20, 2025 - SINGAPORE — U.S. Marines with Marine Rotational Force-Southeast Asia (MRF-SEA) began Exercise Valiant Mark 2025, alongside the 3rd Battalion Singapore Guards (3 GDS) and 7th Singapore Infantry Brigade (7 SIB), in a ceremony...
Cobra Gold 2025: How PMTEC Shapes Future Operations Through Collaborative Training
PMTEC team members, including Dr Andre Stridiron, Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability Program Manager, meet with Cobra Gold 2025 Counter-UAS participants at the Phu Lam Yai Training Area, Thailand
March 20, 2025 - BANGKOK – U.S. Indo-Pacific Command’s J7's Pacific Multi-Domain Training and Experimentation Capability (PMTEC) facilitated seamless interagency cooperation during Cobra Gold 25, held in Thailand from February 25-March 7...
More
Guidance-Card-Icon Dept-Exclusive-Card-Icon