The future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) is christened. This ceremony marks the first christening of a Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer. The christening ceremony was held at the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division.
“This ship represents our nation’s strength, grit, tenacity, and is a tangible example of Lucas' legacy,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Gilday. “For a ship that aspires to shield our Sailors and defend freedom, the name Jack H. Lucas is not only fitting, but a standard of bravery and toughness for which the ship, captain and crew will always strive.”
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The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers are multi-mission surface combatants capable of conducting Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW). Destroyers play a significant role in strike warfare. DDG 125 is the first ship built in the Flight III configuration, which will provide significantly enhanced anti-air warfare capability. Flight III is the fourth Flight upgrade in the 30+ year history of the class, building on the proud legacy of Flight I, II and IIA ships before it. The Flight III upgrade is centered on the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and incorporates upgrades to the electrical power and cooling capacity, as well as additional changes that enhance warfighting capabilities.
Private First Class Jacklyn Harold “Jack” Lucas served as a U.S. Marine during WWII and was awarded the Medal of Honor at the age of 17 during the Iwo Jima campaign, when he hurled himself on two grenades in order to protect fellow Marines.
