Image Credits: US Navy
The US Navy has accepted delivery of the future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), the final Flight IIA variant of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, from Bath Iron Works on May 28.
The ship was delivered more than two months ahead of schedule after successfully completing an accelerated builder’s sea trial programme.
According to the Navy, the trials combined hull, mechanical, electrical and combat systems testing into a single effort at sea, helping speed up the delivery process.
The delivery marks the official transfer of the vessel from the shipbuilder to the Navy.
William Mahan, performing the duties of Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, said US leadership, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Acting Secretary of the Navy Terence Emmert Cao, had made it clear that shipbuilding timelines needed to be shortened. He said cooperation between the Navy and industry helped make the accelerated delivery possible.
Captain Jay Young, programme manager for the DDG-51 destroyer programme, said the ship’s strong material condition during sea trials and close coordination between the Navy and Bath Iron Works enabled the vessel to be delivered more than two months early. He added that the early delivery would allow the fleet to use the ship’s capabilities sooner.
Building Ships Faster /676IoPB49G
— Acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao (@SECNAV) June 1, 2026
The Navy and the shipbuilder worked to streamline the process by ensuring construction was completed efficiently and reducing the time between trial events to achieve the accelerated handover.
Mahan praised the work of US shipbuilders, describing them as a national strategic asset and crediting their dedication and craftsmanship for the achievement.
The early delivery also gives the crew additional time for training, certification and familiarisation with the vessel before it enters service.
The future USS Patrick Gallagher is the 77th Arleigh Burke-class destroyer delivered to the US Navy and the 41st built by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine.
The vessel is named after Marine Corps Corporal Patrick Gallagher, an Irish immigrant who joined the US Marine Corps.
Gallagher was awarded the Navy Cross for heroism during the Vietnam War after throwing an enemy grenade into a river to protect fellow Marines. He was killed in action a year later.
As a Flight IIA Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, DDG 127 is equipped with upgraded integrated air and missile defence capabilities, increased computing power and radar improvements designed to enhance detection range and response time against modern air and ballistic missile threats.
The Navy said the delivery of DDG 127 shows its ongoing effort to strengthen and modernise the fleet while maintaining global naval operations. The ship will now move into the next phase of crew training and certification before entering operational service.
Reference: US Navy
