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In the vast expanse of modern naval warfare, one name stands out as a symbol of cutting-edge technology and unparalleled capability: Zumwalt. The Zumwalt class destroyer, a marvel of naval engineering, represents a formidable leap forward in naval prowess and strategy. Its unique design and innovative systems have captured the imaginations of military enthusiasts and strategic thinkers alike. In this article, we'll delve into the inner workings of this naval juggernaut, uncovering the secrets that make the Zumwalt class destroyer a true marvel of the modern naval fleet. What Is the Zumwalt Class Destroyer? The Zumwalt class destroyer is a key part of the U.S. Navy's 21st Century Surface Combatant (SC-21) Program, initiated by Navy planners in 1991, to conceive of warships capable of delivering next-generation functionality. The SC-21 Program describes a family of ships designed to fight more effectively in littoral operations, which are those conducted close to the shore. At the same time, SC-21 ships will need to function equally well out in the open ocean.
The key is versatility, with ships in the SC-21 family able to handle virtually any mission, from wartime missions in land attack and undersea warfare to noncombatant evacuations to presence, escort and diplomatic missions. The SC-21 family includes a destroyer class and a cruiser class of ships. The destroyer class was originally designated DD 21, and to bring the first ships in the class to life, the Navy introduced a four-phase development process. Two competing teams oversaw the first two phases, which involved system concept design and initial systems design. Bath Iron Works, with Lockheed Martin Corporation as the systems integrator, led the first team. Northrop Grumman Ingalls, with Raytheon Systems Co. as the system integrator, led the other. Raytheon became the National Team's prime mission systems integrator for all electronic and combat systems. Other major subcontractors included Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Boeing and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works. In November 2005, the DD(X) program received funding approval to enter the fourth and final phase: construction of eight ships.
Five months later, the Navy announced that the class and lead ship would carry the designation and hull number DDG 1000 Zumwalt. Originally, the U.S. Navy planned to build 32 destroyers but that number was quickly reduced to 24 and then to eight due to costs. In the end, the Navy only built three Zumwalt class destroyers including the USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), and USS Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002). It joined the U.S. Pacific Fleet and participated in at-sea testing and fleet exercises. The USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), named in honor of a Navy SEAL awarded the Medal of Honor, was delivered to the Navy on April 26, 2018, and commissioned on January 26, 2019. It completed Combat System Availability in March 2020 and underwent various tests and activities throughout 2022. Currently, DDG 1001 is in the Post Shakedown Availability phase, set to continue until May 2023. Johnson (DDG 1002) was christened in April 2019, with production and test activity completed in November 2021. DDG 1002 is now at Huntington Ingalls Industries' shipyard for combat systems installation and activation, with a single delivery approach planned upon a successful acceptance trial.
The Navy is gearing up to equip Zumwalt Class destroyers with Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) capabilities, set to be integrated during a planned FY2024 availability, including the removal of the two 155 mm Advanced Gun System (AGS) mounts. Who Was Elmo R. Zumwalt, Jr.? The Zumwalt class destroyer is the namesake of Admiral Elmo Russell Zumwalt, Jr., the youngest four-star admiral in U.S. Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). Zumwalt was appointed CNO in 1970 by President Nixon, and he served in that role until 1974. When Zumwalt passed away in 2000, then-President Bill Clinton celebrated the admiral’s accomplishments with the naming of the class and lead ship of the DD(X) destroyer program. The DDG 1000 has been designed specifically to participate in both traditional military engagements, as well as those that might arise as part of the global war on terrorism. Like destroyers in the Arleigh-Burke class, the DDG 1000 will be multi-mission, capable of providing forward deterrence and presence, and an integral part of joint and combined expeditionary forces.
But unlike today's destroyers, the primary mission of the DDG 1000 will be land attack support for ground forces. In fact, one of its most important requirements didn't come from the U.S. Navy, but from the Marine Corps, which, in 2002, requested that the Navy provide 24/7, all-weather, long-range missile-firing capabilities in support of USMC amphibious operations. That means the DDG 1000 will need to operate efficiently in shallow coastal waters - not in quick, hit-and-run missions, but in engagements that may last days or weeks. Having a persistent presence in littoral areas is one of the most important design requirements of the Zumwalt class destroyers. Clearly, it will need to effectively defend against these threats, as well as those from submarines and surface mines. It will also need to have systems in place to minimize damage caused by missile strikes. It may seem impossible to make a 600-foot long ship invisible to the enemy, but that's one of the DDG 1000's most important requirements.
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