BAE Systems begins two-year upgrade of destroyer USS Halsey

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BAE Systems begins two-year upgrade of destroyer USS Halsey — Photo credit: US Navy

This transformation focuses on addressing the aging systems aboard the USS Halsey. As the ship grows older, numerous components and systems become outdated or lose their reliability, necessitating essential updates or replacements.

Under the Chief of Naval Operations Fiscal Year 2024 Depot Modernization Period [DMP], the U.S. Department of Defense’s contract with BAE Systems involves comprehensive repairs, maintenance, and modernization efforts. This extensive work is designed to extend the operational life and boost the combat capabilities of the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, ensuring it remains a formidable force within the naval fleet.

Key aspects of the modernization include several essential destroyer repairs and upgrades:

First: Hull, mechanical, and electrical [HM&E] upgrades. These involve extensive refurbishments to boost the ship’s structural integrity, reliability, and overall performance.

Second: Combat system modernization. This focuses on enhancing the ship’s weapon systems, sensors, and other critical technologies to ensure its effectiveness in contemporary naval warfare.

Third: Technological enhancements. These upgrades will likely cover the ship’s command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence [C4I] systems, keeping it in line with the latest Navy standards and ready to incorporate future technologies.

And last but not least: Life-extension work. Maintenance tasks aimed at addressing wear and tear accumulated during the vessel’s service will also be part of this project, ensuring the ship remains operational for many more years.

This won’t be the first time the US has undertaken a significant overhaul of an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer in recent years. Take the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey [DDG-97], for instance. Over the past decade, it has undergone multiple repairs and maintenance cycles. These activities are crucial for keeping the vessel operational and ready for combat.

One major challenge during these repair periods is the intricacy of modern naval technology. The USS Halsey, much like its Arleigh Burke-class siblings, boasts advanced Aegis Combat Systems, high-tech radar, and missile systems. Keeping these systems in top shape and upgrading them requires specialized expertise and a considerable amount of time.

Additionally, coordinating dry-docking and securing shipyards capable of servicing such a large and complex vessel poses another challenge. Dry-docking is vital for hull inspections, repairs, and other underwater maintenance tasks. Planning these periods without interfering with the ship’s operational duties demands meticulous scheduling.

The USS Halsey [DDG-97] stands as a guided-missile destroyer in the United States Navy’s fleet. Named in honor of Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey Jr., this vessel is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, celebrated for its versatility in multi-mission capabilities, covering anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare.

When it comes to size, the USS Halsey spans approximately 509.5 feet [155.3 meters] in length, with a beam reaching 66 feet [20.1 meters] and a draft of 31 feet [9.4 meters]. These measurements enable it to navigate a variety of maritime environments while ensuring stability and operational efficiency.

The USS Halsey has a displacement of around 9,200 tons when fully loaded. This measurement includes the weight of the ship itself, its crew, fuel, armaments, and all other operational equipment onboard. Its design allows for carrying a substantial payload without compromising speed and agility.

The USS Halsey operates with a crew of around 300 personnel. This team includes officers, enlisted sailors, and specialists who manage the ship’s systems, maintain its equipment, and ensure it is always mission-ready.

This destroyer is powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines, driving two shafts. Thanks to this propulsion system, the USS Halsey can exceed speeds of 30 knots, ranking it among the fastest ships in the Navy’s lineup.

Equipped with the advanced Aegis Combat System, the USS Halsey integrates its sensors and weapon systems to offer comprehensive defensive and offensive capabilities. This allows the ship to track and engage multiple targets simultaneously with precision.

Radar systems on the USS Halsey include the versatile AN/SPY-1D[V] multi-function radar, crucial to the Aegis Combat System. This cutting-edge radar excels at detecting and tracking both airborne and surface threats over extended distances. Additionally, the ship is outfitted with the AN/SPS-67[V]3 surface search radar and the AN/SPQ-9B radar, utilized for precise fire control and target acquisition.

The armament of the USS Halsey is a sophisticated array designed to handle various combat scenarios. The Mk 41 Vertical Launching System [VLS] is a key feature, capable of launching a variety of missiles, including the RIM-66 Standard Missile, the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, and Tomahawk cruise missiles. Alongside these, the ship is equipped with a formidable 5-inch [127 mm] Mk 45 naval gun, Phalanx CIWS for close-in defense, and torpedo tubes tailored for anti-submarine warfare.

Throughout its distinguished service, the USS Halsey has engaged in an impressive array of operations and missions. These include critical maritime security operations, anti-piracy initiatives, and collaborative exercises with allied navies. The destroyer’s deployments span diverse regions such as the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf, all aimed at supporting U.S. interests and ensuring regional stability.

BULGARIAN MILTARY

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