The US Navy christened the future Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Carl M. Levin (DDG 120) in a ceremony in Bath, Maine, on October 2.
The future USS Carl M. Levin is named in honor of the former Michigan senator who remains the longest-serving senator in the state’s history. Levin became a staunch supporter of the armed services through his work and leadership as Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. Levin passed away July 29, 2021.
Sen. Levin’s daughters, Kate Levin Markel, Laura Levin, and Erica Levin – the ship’s sponsors – christened the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow.
US Sen. Jack Reed, of Rhode Island, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony, while remarks were also provided by Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy.
“The late Senator Carl Levin said that public service is in his DNA,” said Del Toro. “Senator Levin’s decisions leading the Senate Armed Services Committee shaped our nation and Navy for the better. It is my honor, on behalf of the Navy, and with his three daughters serving as sponsor, to expand his legacy by christening a namesake ship, USS CARL LEVIN.”
The destroyer was launched by General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (GDBIW) in May this year. Its christening ceremony had been scheduled for July 24, but was postponed during the final weeks of Sen. Levin’s life.
Future Carl M. Levin (DDG 120) is a Flight IIA: Technology Insertion ship, meaning it incorporates some technologies from the Flight III ships that will feature all-new air and missile defense radar systems for the ballistic missile defense role. DDG 120 will feature the Aegis Baseline 9 combat system.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. These ships serve as crucial assets in global maritime security, conducting anti-air, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, as well as executing long-range strike and surface fire support missions.
In addition to Carl M. Levin (DDG 120), GDBIW has five additional Arleigh Burke-class destroyers under construction, to include the the future: USS John Basilone (DDG 122), the future USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), the future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), the future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), and the future USS William Charette (DDG 130).
GDBIW is also under contract to construct four additional Arleigh Burke-class destroyers with the Flight III configuration.
