'Arleigh Burke,' First Aegis Destroyer, Conducts Weapons Trials In Atlantic

The new Aegis destroyer Arleigh Burke (DDG-51), the lead vessel in what has been termed the U.S.

Navy's ship of the 21st century, continued to live up to its advance billing when it recently engaged in weapons trials in the North Atlantic.

Featured on this month's cover of the "Naval Technology & Shipbuilding" section, the Arleigh Burke was designed and built by Maine's Bath Iron Works. The ship has been described by Defense Secretary Richard Cheney as the "cutting edge of technology." Her advanced radar and weapons systems can automatically track and guide weapons to multiple targets at the same time.

"Under very difficult weather conditions, Arleigh Burke performed exactly the way she was designed," said Commander John G. Morgan, the ship's prospective commanding officer. "She not only met, but exceeded several design expectations," he asserted.

Following summer acceptance trials, the 8,300-ton, 466-foot Burke will enter the fleet after a July 4 commissioning in Norfolk. Bath Iron Works has eight additional Burke Class ships under contract.

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