BATH, Maine — The future USS Michael Monsoor (DDG 1001), the second ship in the Zumwalt-class of destroyers, departed General Dynamics’ Bath Iron Works (BIW) shipyard Nov. 9, Naval Sea Systems Command said in a release.
The guided missile destroyer is en route to California where it is so scheduled to be commissioned in Coronado on Jan. 26, prior to commencing post-delivery availability and combat systems activation.
As the ship’s departure coincides with Veterans Day weekend, the ship’s crew will take time to reflect on the sacrifice of service members, such as Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor. DDG 1001 was named in honor of Monsoor, a U.S. Navy SEAL, who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions while serving in Ramadi, Iraq.
As noted in the Medal of Honor citation, “by his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor selflessly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”
“Michael Monsoor was, in the words of his teammates, a big, tough frogman,” said Capt. Scott M. Smith, commanding officer of PCU Michael Monsoor. “DDG 1001 is also big and tough — made that way by the skilled and dedicated workers and operators of Bath Iron Works. We are proud of our ship and our association with the City of Ships.”
Zumwalt-class destroyers feature a state-of-the-art electric propulsion system, wave-piercing tumblehome hull, stealth design and are equipped with space and weight margins that will allow the ship to employ our most advanced warfighting technology. These ships will be capable of performing a range of deterrence, power projection, sea control, and command and control missions while allowing the Navy to evolve with new systems and missions.
“This formidable warship will be a lasting tribute to the ship’s namesake. Petty Officer Monsoor’s bravery and sacrifice will be reflected in the crew’s dedication for generations to come,” said Capt. Kevin Smith, DDG 1000 class program manager, Program Executive Office Ships. “With the ship underway, we look forward to celebrating the ship’s commissioning with the Monsoor family and ship’s crew in the coming months.”
The Navy accepted hull, mechanical and electrical (HM&E) delivery of DDG 1001 from shipbuilder BIW on April 24. Zumwalt-class ships are delivered through a two-phase approach in which combat systems are installed and activated subsequent to HM&E delivery. Following commissioning, Michael Monsoor will begin combat systems activation, testing and trials.
