Navy taking ownership of the future USS Rafael Peralta

BATH, Maine — The future USS Rafael Peralta is becoming property of the U.S. Navy.

The paperwork is being completed Friday to transfer ownership of the guided-missile destroyer from Bath Iron Works, which built the ship.

The Rafael Peralta is the first of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers to be built at Bath Iron Works since the Navy ended the program, and then restarted it in 2010. The 65th destroyer in the class will incorporate upgraded radar and missiles for ballistic missile defense.

The change in ownership doesn't mean the ship is leaving right away. The ship will remain docked at the shipyard in coming weeks before sailing off to be commissioned this summer in San Diego, where the warship will be homeported.

In Other News

As the VA secretary departs, focus remains on outreach, trust

VA care and benefits have seen signifcant growth in recent years, a trend that the outgoing secretary hopes will continue.

Advocates fear dismantling of DOD’s extremism prevention, DEI programs

Trump’s choice for defense secretary said DEI programs eroded the military's values and described anti-extremism policies as a "purge."

Opinion

Why the military’s approach to its suicide epidemic is failing

In this opinion piece, the chairman of Boulder Crest Foundation argues that current military suicide prevention efforts are falling short.

VA acknowledges significant errors in budget shortfall predictions

Department leaders had warned of funding gaps of up to $18 billion but now believe those estimates were too high.

Women in combat ‘proficient,’ SecDef says, dismissing calls for change

Austin praised women in the military and said they should not be removed from front-line fighting posts.

Load More