United States Navy Commissions Most Technologically Advanced Destroyer USS Zumwalt To Fleet
By CNN // October 20, 2016
Destroyer cost $4.4 billion
ABOVE VIDEO: The Navy’s newest and most technologically advanced surface ship, the USS Zumwalt, is commissioned in Baltimore, Maryland.
(CNN) The US Navy officially welcomed its largest and most technologically advanced destroyer to the fleet Saturday as the USS Zumwalt was commissioned in Baltimore.
The Zumwalt is striking in appearance, with sharp angles and weaponry concealed behind flat surfaces, a design that makes it many times more difficult to spot on radar than conventional destroyers.
“If Batman had a ship, it would be the USS Zumwalt,” said Adm. Harry B. Harris, Jr., commander of the US Pacific Command, where the ship will be assigned.
The ship also has an advanced power plant and weapon systems that can move the Navy into the future, said Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus.
“It doesn’t look like other ships and it does things other ships cannot do,” Mabus said.
The ship is named after Adm. Elmo R. “Bud” Zumwalt Jr., a Bronze Star winner from World War II who went on to serve in the Korean and Vietnam wars and as chief of naval operations from 1970 to 1974.
His efforts to increase opportunities for minorities and women in the fleet were noted by speakers at Saturday’s commissioning.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE OF THIS STORY ON CNN
CLICK HERE FOR BREVARD COUNTY NEWS
ABOVE VIDEO: The U.S. Navy’s newest warship, the USS Zumwalt, will be commissioned on Saturday. It’s built for stealth and is loaded with advanced technology, but it cost a staggering $4.4 billion.
