The principal address will be delivered by Dr. Brett A. Seidle, performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy. Additional speakers include Vice Adm. James P. Downey, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command; and Brian Blanchett, president of Ingalls Shipbuilding and executive vice president, Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII).
In a time-honored tradition, ship sponsors Madeleine Denton Doak and Mary Denton Lewis, daughters of the namesake, will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow.
The ship is named in honor of Vietnam War veteran and U.S. Senator Jeremiah Denton, who was awarded the Navy Cross for his heroism as a prisoner of war. Following his Naval career, Denton was elected to the Senate, representing his home state of Alabama.
The christening of DDG 129 symbolizes the Navy’s 250-year commitment to innovation and maritime dominance. From seabed to space, the Navy delivers power for peace – always ready to fight and win. This milestone marks the Navy’s enduring legacy and commitment to shaping the future of maritime power.
Arleigh Burke-class Flight III destroyers feature the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporate upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity plus additional associated changes to provide enhanced warfighting capability to the fleet. Ted Stevens (DDG 128), George M. Neal (DDG 131), Sam Nunn (DDG 133) and Thad Cochran (DDG 135) are in production at HII.
Media may direct queries to the Navy Office of Information at (703) 697-5342.
For more information on Arleigh-Burke Class Destroyer, visit: https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-Files/Display-FactFiles/Article/2169871/destroyers-ddg-51/
