HII has christened the future USS George M. Neal (DDG 131), the fourth Flight III Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer to be built at its Ingalls Shipbuilding division.
The ship is named after Aviation Machinist’s Mate Third Class George M. Neal, a Korean War veteran and Navy Cross recipient who survived nine days behind enemy lines before being captured and held as a prisoner of war for more than two years.
Performing the duties of the under secretary of the Navy, William Toti delivered the keynote address. “The future USS George M. Neal honors a legacy of extraordinary courage and sacrifice,” Toti said. “As we christen this ship, we mark another step toward building the Navy our nation needs. Flight III destroyers are critical to our nation’s security, and we are proud to accept each one built by the skilled workforce at Ingalls.”
The ship’s sponsor and daughter of the namesake, Kelley Neal Gray, performed the traditional bottle-breaking ceremony to formally christen DDG 131.
“As a company, HII does a lot of amazing things, but only people; human beings build ships. They build ships with their hands, their minds and toughness. The people of Ingalls Shipbuilding are among the finest craftsmen and craftswomen on the face of the Earth,” Kastner stated. “When she is delivered, DDG 131 will be the most powerful surface combatant in the world. She will be ready. She’ll be ready because the United States of America makes a conscious choice, generation after generation for now 250 years, to invest in U.S. Navy ships, built by Americans, in America.”
“On behalf of my family, I express my deepest gratitude to the United States Navy, to the incredible honor, for this magnificent destroyer after my father, George Milton Neal,” commented Gray. “We are forever grateful that his life of service, sacrifice and courage will be remembered through a ship that will one day defend our nation and carry his legacy throughout the world.”
“Today’s christening of the future USS George M. Neal is a proud moment for Mississippi and our nation,” Ezell announced. “George M. Neal’s courage, sacrifice, and service represent the very best of America, and it is fitting that this warship will carry his legacy for generations to come. I’m grateful to the hardworking men and women of Ingalls Shipbuilding whose craftsmanship strengthens our Navy, supports our Gulf Coast economy, and helps keep our nation safe.”
To date, Ingalls has delivered 36 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, including USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125) and Ted Stevens (DDG 128). George M. Neal (DDG 131) is among several Flight III destroyers currently under construction.
Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers represent the next generation of surface combatants and incorporate a number of design modifications that collectively provide significantly enhanced capability. Upgrades include the AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar (AMDR) and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System required to keep pace with the threats well into the 21st century.
