The USS Halsey, a guided-missile destroyer, is set for a significant two-year overhaul and upgrade. The $177 million project, awarded to BAE Systems, was announced by the U.S. Department of Defense on August 28, 2024. This major renovation will take place in San Diego, California, with an expected completion by April 2026.
The overhaul aims to address the aging systems aboard the USS Halsey. As the ship ages, many of its components and systems become outdated or less reliable, necessitating crucial updates or replacements.
The Chief of Naval Operations Fiscal Year 2024 Depot Modernization Period (DMP) contract with BAE Systems will cover comprehensive repairs, maintenance, and modernization. This effort is designed to extend the operational lifespan and enhance the combat capabilities of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, ensuring it remains a powerful asset in the naval fleet.
Key elements of the modernization include:
1. Hull, Mechanical, and Electrical (HM&E) Upgrades: Extensive refurbishments to improve the ship’s structural integrity, reliability, and overall performance.
2. Combat System Modernization: Enhancements to the ship’s weapon systems, sensors, and other critical technologies to maintain effectiveness in modern naval warfare.
3. Technological Enhancements: Updates to the ship’s command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems to meet current Navy standards and incorporate future technologies.
4. Life-Extension Work: Maintenance to address wear and tear accumulated during the ship’s service, ensuring its continued operational capability for years to come.
This overhaul follows several significant refurbishments of Arleigh Burke-class destroyers in recent years. For example, the USS Halsey (DDG-97) has undergone multiple repairs and maintenance cycles over the past decade. These refurbishments are crucial for keeping the vessel combat-ready.
One challenge during these periods is managing the complexity of modern naval technology. The USS Halsey, like other Arleigh Burke-class ships, features advanced Aegis Combat Systems, high-tech radar, and missile systems, all requiring specialized expertise for maintenance and upgrades.
Another challenge is coordinating dry-docking and finding shipyards capable of servicing such a large and complex vessel. Dry-docking is essential for hull inspections and underwater maintenance, requiring careful scheduling to avoid disrupting the ship’s operational duties.
Named in honor of Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey Jr., the USS Halsey is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer known for its multi-mission capabilities, including anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and anti-surface warfare. The ship measures approximately 509.5 feet (155.3 meters) in length, with a beam of 66 feet (20.1 meters) and a draft of 31 feet (9.4 meters), enabling it to operate effectively in various maritime environments.
With a displacement of around 9,200 tons when fully loaded, the USS Halsey can carry substantial payloads while maintaining speed and agility. It operates with a crew of about 300 personnel, including officers, sailors, and specialists who manage the ship’s systems and ensure it is mission-ready.
Powered by four General Electric LM2500 gas turbines driving two shafts, the USS Halsey can exceed speeds of 30 knots, making it one of the fastest ships in the Navy. The ship’s advanced Aegis Combat System integrates its sensors and weaponry to provide comprehensive defensive and offensive capabilities. Key radar systems include the AN/SPY-1D[V] multi-function radar, AN/SPS-67[V]3 surface search radar, and AN/SPQ-9B radar.
Armed with the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), the USS Halsey can launch a variety of missiles, including the RIM-66 Standard Missile, RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, and Tomahawk cruise missiles. It also features a 5-inch (127 mm) Mk 45 naval gun, Phalanx CIWS for close-in defense, and torpedo tubes for anti-submarine warfare. Throughout its service, the USS Halsey has participated in numerous operations, including maritime security, anti-piracy missions, and joint exercises with allied navies. Its deployments have spanned regions such as the Western Pacific and the Persian Gulf, supporting U.S. interests and regional stability.
