It’s so new it still has that new ship smell! Okay, not too sure about that but Naval Station Everett is about to welcome a brand new ship and crew this week. Here’s the word from Naval Station Everett.
Ingalls Shipbuilding completed builder’s sea trials for Ralph Johnson (DDG 114). The Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) destroyer spent more than three days in the Gulf of Mexico testing the ship’s main propulsion, combat and other ship systems. photo by Andrew Young/HII
It will be the sixth U.S. Navy destroyer homeported in Everett which includes USS Momsen, USS Shoup, USS Gridley, USS Kidd, and USS Sampson.
Ralph Johnson was commissioned for active service on March 24 in Charleston, South Carolina.
The ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Jason Patterson, leads the core crew of 314 officers and enlisted personnel. The sailors and accompanying families have been gradually relocating to the area since last summer.
“The officers and crew of USS Ralph Johnson are thrilled to be joining the Pacific Northwest Navy,” said Patterson. “Our arrival to our homeport of Everett, Washington marks the end of an over two year journey for the crew through the precommissioning process. We look forward to joining our fellow shipmates on the Everett waterfront.”
Ralph Johnson is the 64th Arleigh-Burke class destroyer built by Huntington Ingalls Industries in Pascagoula, Mississippi. It is the first warship named for Medal of Honor recipient Marine Pfc. Ralph Henry Johnson. Pfc. Ralph Henry Johnson was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Vietnam War. Johnson used his body to shield two fellow Marines from a grenade, absorbing the blast and dying instantly in March 1968.
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers are capable of conducting anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and anti-surface warfare. As multi-mission platforms, they are capable of sustained combat operations. Their missions support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence.
Additional Ship Statistics:
Displacement – Approximately 9,300 tons
Measurements – Length of 509 feet, beam of 66 feet, and navigational draft of 31 feet
Propulsion – Four GE LM 2500 gas turbine engines drive twin controllable propellers
Speed – Capable of achieving over 30 knots in open seas
Aircraft – Two LAMPS MK III MH-60 B/R helicopters
Armament – The Integrated Air and Missile Defense radar provides increased computing power and improved detection and reaction capabilities, as well as ballistic missile defense. The Aegis Combat System enables the ship to link radars with other ships and aircraft.
Ship motto – “Swift Silent Deadly”
Naval Station Everett’s mission is to provide a secure platform for Navy and Coast Guard forces, important mission capabilities, and quality of life for service members and their families. The base provides assistance to its homeported ships such as transition services, family programs, and community resources to help them get settled in their new home.
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For Naval Station Everett information and updates visit www.facebook.com/NavalStationEverett.
Editor’s Note: The Navy does not publicly disclose the exact time a ship is expected in Port. The best viewing spots are traditionally the lighthouse at Mukilteo by the ferry terminal or Harborview Park on Mukilteo Blvd.
April 25, 2018
Everett, Everett Economy